1. Writing a Syllabus—What is it?
Students consider your syllabus to be
a contract and a guide for the course. A
well-written and organized syllabus tells
the students you know what you’re doing,
are organized, and have reasons for
what you’re doing.

2. Writing a Syllabus—Why write one? You will have fewer problems with
students’ unfounded challenges of
your grading.
The process of writing a good
syllabus is the process of designing
an effective course.

3. Writing a Syllabus—Basic Parts
Basic Course Information
Course Overview
Specific Course Requirements
Other Relevant Information

4. Writing a Syllabus—What to include?
Include everything a student needs
to know to succeed in your course.
Click here to see a checklist for your syllabus.
Feel free to print it out. Be sure to close the document
when you’re finished reading it.

5. Writing a Syllabus—What to include? Look at this example syllabus and
compare it to the checklist.
What’s missing?
Click here to the Example Syllabus. Note the parts that are missing. Be sure to close the document when you’re finished reading it.

6. Writing a Syllabus—What to include?
After you have decided what is
missing from the Example Syllabus,
Click here to find out what should
have been included.

7. Writing a Syllabus—What to include?
Missing from the Example Syllabus:
Prof’s name
Contact info: office, phone, , office hours
Level of course and Pre-requisites
Full explanation of grading
Elaborated explanations of assignments
Due dates—TBA is not acceptable
Full text reference
Learning disabilities policy
Classroom civility policy
Encouragement note
Course calendar

8. Writing a Syllabus—What Else?
Make your syllabus:
A reflection of your personality
Encouraging and friendly in tone
Visually appealing and easy to read
Click here to see an example of an effective syllabus. Be sure to close the document when you’re finished reading
it.

9. Writing a Syllabus—Statements
There are some statements that you
will want to include in your
syllabus.
Click on each to read samples.
Learning Disabilities
Academic Dishonesty
Classroom Civility
Click here to move to the next topic.

10. Sample Statements to include in a syllabus
Learning Disabilities:
If any member of this class feels that he/she has a
disability and needs special accommodations of any nature
whatever, the instructor twill work with you and the Office
of Disabled Student Services, 326 Student Union, to ensure
that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this class.
lease advice the instructor of such disability and the desired
accommodations at some point before, during, or
immediately after the first scheduled class period.
Back to Statements

11. Sample Statements to include in a syllabus Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is not condoned or tolerated at
Oklahoma State University. Academic dishonesty is behavior
which a deliberately fraudulent misrepresentation is
Employed in an attempt to gain undeserved intellectual
credit, either For oneself or for another. By enrolling in this
course, you have agreed to OSU’s guidelines at:
Back to Statements

12. Sample Statements to include in a syllabus
Classroom Civility:
As a member of this class, you become an important
part of a learning community. Please be aware of your
behavior and its effects on fellow students as well as on
the professor. Talking, coming in late, leaving early, and
being discourteous can all diminish classmates’ learning
experiences in this class. In addition, realize that everyone
this class might be in a position someday to recommend
you professionally. Do all you can to earn and keep their
positive opinions of you.
Back to Statements

13. Writing a Syllabus—Other Statements
Other statements you might
want to include in your syllabus are:
Click on each to read samples.
Extra Credit Policy
Grade Dispute Policy
Encouragement Note
Click here to move to the next topic.

14. Sample Extra Credit Policies
If you want to have extra credit in the class:
From time to time, there might be extra credit possibilities
in this course. I will let you know about those opportunities
as they are available. Do not depend on extra credit to
Salvage your grade in this class.
If you will not offer extra credit in the class:
There will not be extra credit in this class. Please spend
Time working on the material assigned and reading your
Texts. If you are not making the grade you’d like to make
In the course, please come talk to me so I can offer some
Strategies to help you succeed at learning the material.
Do not ask me for extra credit.
Back to Other Statements

15. Sample Grade Dispute Policy
If you do not understand the reason you received a specific
grade on any assignment, you may talk to me about it at
any time. If you honestly believe a grade should be
reconsidered, take time to review my comments and follow
these instructions:
Wait at least 24 hours after you received the grade
but no more than one week to talk to me about it.
Review your video or paper and take notes about areas
that concern you
Make an appointment with me and bring your original
evaluation.
Back to Other Statements

16. Sample Encouragement Note
I hope you enjoy this course as much as I enjoy teaching it.
If you are having any problems, questions, or just want to
talk, I encourage you to contact me in person, on the phone,
or via . I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!!!! Don't let small
problems during the semester grow to a crisis at the end.
It's always easier to fix anticipated difficulties than to
untangle a mess.
Back to Other Statements

17. To Conclude: Your syllabus is one of the most important parts of
your course. Students use it as the guide to the
class. If you give it a lot of thoughts and spend
time writing it, you will have a smooth semester.
Click here to check your
understanding of this information.

18. Which of the following is a reason to write a syllabus?
Students will never challenge your grading
B. It is a binding legal document
C. Writing it will help you develop the course
D. You can sell it to your students in the bookstore
Check your answer

19. Which of the following is a reason to write a syllabus?
Students will never challenge your grading
B. It is a binding legal document
C. Writing it will help you develop the course
D. You can sell it to your students in the bookstore

20. Which of the following are pieces of
basic course information that you should include
in your syllabus?
Extra credit policy
Classroom location
Prerequisites
Course readings
Check your answer

21. Which of the following are pieces of
basic course information that you should include
in your syllabus?
Extra credit policy
Classroom location
Prerequisites
Course readings

22. Which of the following will give students an overview of the course?
Course learning goals and objectives
Authors of the course textbooks
Attendance policy
All of these give students an overview
Check your answer

23. Which of the following will give students an overview of the course?
Course learning goals and objectives
Authors of the course textbooks
Attendance policy
All of these give students an overview
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