Purposes for the Syllabus

· Provides basic information about the class and the instructor.

· Sets the tone for the course. The syllabus acts as a statement of purpose and philosophy for how the course will be taught and what expectations the instructor(s) have of the students.

· Often used as a contract between the students and the instructor. Some classes even require students to turn in a signed page indicating that they have read the syllabus and are willing to abide by what it says.

· Allows students to begin planning and studying in advance of the material being taught.

· Helps students assess their readiness for the course.

· Used to arbitrate grading disputes at the Institute level.

Syllabus Design Checklist

ð Basic Information

· Title and Course number of Class

· Day, Time, and Location of Class (especially if variable)

· Name of Instructor, Office Hours, Office Hours location, contact information

· Name of Teaching Assistant(s), Office Hours, Office Hours location, contact information

ð Prerequisites

· Classes required for course (mandatory and recommended)

· Technical skills (knowledge of Unix, programming languages, development environments)

· Equipment or tools requirements (College of Computing account, web access, drafting materials, etc.)

ð Introduction

· Purpose for Course – The context for the course, it’s importance in the curriculum, it’s impact on student’s career

· Learning Objectives – what the student should finish the course knowing.

ð Class Resources

· Textbook(s)

· Readings

ð List of Responsibilities (Recommended)

· Student’s Responsibilities to Class

· Instructor’s Responsibilities to Student

ð Grading Distribution

· How deliverables will be weighted.

· How the grades will be assigned based on student performance and involvement.

ð Honor Code reminders / Late Policy / Submission guidelines

ð Class Schedule

· List of Lecture Topics

· Reading Schedule

· Schedule of Deliverables and Exams – when they will be available and when they are due.

ð Miscellaneous

· How to succeed in this course.

· Other resources that may help the student – links to other classes, code libraries, and readings

References

Grunert, J., The Course Syllabus: A Learning-Centered Approach, Anker Publishing Co, Boston, MA, 1997.,