GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Preparing the Course Syllabus J.W. Bruce

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Syllabus n. originating from 1650s “table of contents of a series of lectures” “outline of the subjects in a course of study” Etymology: a mistaken Latin transcription (syllabos) of the Greek σίττυβον used in a 1470s edition of Cicero's "Ad Atticum" iv. 5 and 8 sittybos plural of sittyba “a strip of parchment (a label) bearing the title of the roll”

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Syllabus A contract between instructor and student Explains – What topics are covered – Sequence of topics covered – How a student should contact or obtain instructional resources – How decisions concerning student performance will be made – How learning environment will be structured or operate

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Syllabus As a “new” GTA – you most likely instructing studio, discussion groups, recitation session, or lab sections… The instructor of record for your course will provide the majority of your syllabus to you If you are instructor of record (primary lecturer) for a course… You are STRONGLY encouraged to seek out experienced faculty to assist you in making out your first syllabus

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Requirements for Syllabi at Mississippi State University (1) MSU does not have a standard format for a syllabus – Check with your instructor, advisor, department, or college However, MSU AOP (Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum) does state – "should clearly state the learning objectives for the course, assignments and exams, standards of achievement, methods of evaluation (including the relative importance to be assigned to various factors), and the date of the final examination." – “the course syllabus should be presented at the first meeting and that no variation is allowed”. – “the syllabus must contain a statement that makes reference to the MSU Honor Code (AOP 12.07).”

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Requirements for Syllabi at Mississippi State University (2) Furthermore, MSU General Counsel decreed on Jan. 8, 2015 that “All course syllabi should contain the university’s standardized statement on Title IX and sexual misconduct.” – MSU is committed to complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination, including violence and harassment, based on sex. This means that MSU’s educational programs and activities must be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence and/or harassment by any member of the university community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to MSU’s Director of Title IX/EEO Programs at or by to Additional resources are available at or at – Visit for more details.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. First Day of Class Provide a syllabus to every student – Also have an electronic version available throughout semester Highlight information of most interest to students Orally address aspects of syllabus most important to you Consider having a “quiz” on syllabus policies

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Oops, I forgot to mention this quiz in the syllabus.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q1) Where can you find the standard format MSU syllabus?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q1) Where can you find the standard format MSU syllabus? This is a trick question... There is NO standard format for MSU syllabi.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q2) What are the “required” items in a MSU syllabus?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q2) What are the “required” items in a MSU syllabus? Learning objectives for the course Assignments and exams Standards of achievement Methods of evaluation including relative importance to be assigned to various factors including relative importance to be assigned to various factors Date of the final exam Honor Code statement Title IX statement

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q3) Where are these required items listed?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q3) Where are these required items listed? AOP Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q4) When is the syllabus to be given to students?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q4) When is the syllabus to be given to students? Per AOP 13.03, the first day of class. It is a good idea to provide an electronic version of the syllabus on your class website throughout the semester.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q5) What part(s) of a syllabus can be changed during the semester?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Quiz Q5) What part(s) of a syllabus can be changed during the semester? Ideally, none. The syllabus is a “contract”. However, it is reasonable to expect that the dates and durations of the course topics may change due to circumstance.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Summary The syllabus is a “contract” The syllabus is a “contract” It can NOT be changed mid-semester. It can NOT be changed mid-semester. Make sure your syllabus is sound Make sure your syllabus is sound Does your syllabus have everything you need? Are your policies are sound? Are your policies practical? Do you have procedures for unusual student actions? Does your syllabus have everything you need? Are your policies are sound? Are your policies practical? Do you have procedures for unusual student actions? Have your advisor/instructor of record/faculty review your syllabus Have your advisor/instructor of record/faculty review your syllabus Improve your syllabus every semester Improve your syllabus every semester Keep what worked well. Improve, change, or remove what did not. Keep what worked well. Improve, change, or remove what did not. A good syllabus will save you time and from headaches A good syllabus will save you time and from headaches

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Syllabus Resources An expanded version of this presentation “Preparing a Course Syllabus”, “Syllabus Components” and “Purposes of a Syllabus” – located at then click “GTA Workshop Presentations” “What’s in a Good Syllabus?” and “Syllabus Template” – located at MSU Academic Operating Policy (AOP) – located at

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Questions?

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. RECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR SYLLABI The following slides contain items that are recommended to be contained in a syllabus. Some of these items may, or may not, be pertinent to your course, field of study, or instructional situation.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (1) Basic Course Information – Semester and year – Course title, number, credit hours – Course meeting times and locations – Instructor and Teaching Assistant information – Office hours (face to face and/or online) – Contact information ( , phone numbers, fax, mobile?) – Learning resources URLs Course web pages/myCourses information Class lists

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (2) Course Description – Prerequisites – Overview of course – Student learning objectives – Methods of instruction

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (3) Student Materials – Required books or readings – Recommended and optional books or readings – Electronics resources website, discussion forum, videos, etc. – Other necessary supplies and/or equipment

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (4) Course Deliverables and Dates – Exams & quizzes – Homework assignments & problem sets – Recitations – Projects – Reports – Presentations – Research papers – Laboratory experiences

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (5) Course Policies – Grading procedures – Attendance and tardiness – Class participation – Classroom decorum – Missed exams/make up policy – Missed assignments – Late assignments/extensions – Reporting illness and family emergencies – Extra credit opportunities – Permissible and impermissible collaboration

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (6) Course Schedule – Tentative** calendar by topics and readings – Firm dates for exams and major course assignments – Dates of special events University holidays Key academic calendar dates (e.g. Last day to drop or withdraw) – Final exam date, time, and location ** Include “Disclaimer” that topical schedule is subject to change as conditions warrant

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (7) Student Accommodations – A request that students see the instructor for details on accommodations for physical, medical, and learning disabilities – A statement on reasonable accommodations for students’ religious beliefs, observations, and practices

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (8) Learning Support Resources – Tips for success – Copies of past exams or model student papers – Links to appropriate support materials – Academic support services on campus Teaching Assistants, Tutoring, Student Support Services, etc.

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Recommended Items for Syllabi (9) Safety and Emergency Procedures – What to do in case on an emergency – Notification procedures of inclement weather – Evacuation procedures – Lab safety procedures