how to write a course description on syllabus

by Candace Jerde 3 min read

  1. Start a new document in your word processing software. Word processing software like Microsoft Word is usually the best place to create a syllabus.
  2. Put your identification information at the top. The first step in creating your syllabus is to put your identification information at the top of the document.
  3. Write a course description. Your course description will describe your course in a way that gives students (and parents) an idea about the general content of your course.
  4. Outline the course objectives. Course objectives will give students a sense of what they will accomplish while in the class.
  5. List any prerequisites to the course. Prerequisites are courses, content, or other qualifications a student must have to take the course for credit.
  6. List required materials. You also need to include a list of all of the materials needed for your course.
  7. Include a brief statement about the format and organization of the course. ...

In writing a course description, be sure to include the following information:
  1. What will students learn in the course (i.e., knowledge, skills, attitudes, as opposed to topics)?
  2. Why will learning this matter to students?
  3. How will the course help students develop as scholars, learners, future professionals?

Full Answer

How do you write a syllabus for a course?

Course Description In writing a course description, be sure to include the following information: What will students learn in the course (i.e., knowledge, skills, attitudes, as opposed to topics)? ... Write a Syllabus Syllabus for a New Course Revise a Syllabus Syllabus Checklist Samples of Syllabi Teach Your Course First Day of Class ...

What is the difference between a course description&syllabus?

Jul 23, 2021 · A course syllabus is a document created by instructors to communicate all need-to-know information about how students can be successful in a specific course. It includes the rules and responsibilities that students will be expected to follow in the course, as well as the learning objectives that the course targets.

What is a traditional course syllabus template?

Writing a Syllabus. Your syllabus gives students a first impression about what to expect from your course and fosters their curiosity and interest. A comprehensive syllabus helps you to structure and articulate your course expectations in support of student learning. An effective course syllabus fulfills several important functions.

What is a syllabus and why is it important?

Course Syllabus. This traditional course syllabus template is designed to help teachers offer students all the information they need at the start of a …

How do you write a course description example?

Course descriptions should:Be student-centered, rather than teacher-centered or course-centered.Use brief, outcomes-based, descriptive phrases that begin with an imperative or active verb (e.g., design, create, plan, analyze)Be clear, concise, and easy to understand (< 80 words)More items...

Is course description the same as syllabus?

A course description provides a basic overview of what a class offers. ... A syllabus is much more detailed and lists textbooks and reference materials necessary for the class, important test dates, projects and points or grades necessary to pass the class.

What is a course description?

A course description is. a short, pithy statement which informs a student about the subject matter, approach, breadth, and applicability of the course. focuses on content ... we are looking for a list of topics.

How do you describe your course?

So, here, Dear Readers, is the basic rule of describing a course:title and main takeaway point.textbook/s (if low undergrad) or readings (if high undergrad/grad) with brief explanation/justification.Broad organization of the course, with about 3 “landmarks”examples of innovative assignments.Conclusion.Dec 29, 2011

How do you describe a course of study in college?

The term Course of Study refers to an integrated course prepared for academic studies. It is a series of courses that every student should complete before they progress to the next level of education. ... A generic course of study in numerous schools and colleges does not include electives.

How do you describe an online course?

An online class is a course conducted over the Internet. They are generally conducted through a learning management system, in which students can view their course syllabus and academic progress, as well as communicate with fellow students and their course instructor.

What is a course syllabus?

A course syllabus is a document created by instructors to communicate all need-to-know information about how students can be successful in a specific course.

How do you plan a syllabus?

Before you begin constructing your course syllabus, you’ll need to gather and prepare to include a few key pieces of information. From the basic logistics to a weekly breakdown of the semester's schedule, let's walk through the six types of information you’ll need to include in your next syllabus.

What are the main principles of syllabus design?

Writing a syllabus that both prepares and excites your students for your course depends on more than just the information you include in it. Factor in how you include that information as well.

Where can you access a course syllabus template to begin planning?

When you're ready to start outlining your syllabus, first check with your educational institution. They may have a template that you're required to use to maintain consistency across courses. Even if a template isn’t required, they may have one that you can use as a starting point.

How to write a syllabus for a course?

Getting Started with Writing a Syllabus 1 Check how your course contributes to your department, program, or graduate field curriculum and learning outcomes. Certain programs may have requirements set by their accrediting organizations (e.g. ABET in Engineering). 2 Review syllabi for the same course from previous instructors. Consider meeting with them to discuss how they have taught the course in the past, what has gone well, and what has been challenging for students to learn. 3 Find out which students typically enroll in this course (year, major) and how many? 4 Search online for sample syllabi for the same or similar courses created by colleagues at other universities. Some disciplinary societies provide online resources for common subjects in introductory courses. 5 This Course Decision Guide can guide you in the process of designing your course.

Why is a syllabus important?

In particular, it: sets the tone for the course. communicates what, when, and how students will learn.

What is course description?

Course Description: A brief overview of what the course will cover for the term or year. Prerequisites/Corequisites: Any courses or other requirements that must be completed before taking this course. Corequisites are courses that must be taken at the same time as your course.

Why is a syllabus important?

A well-designed syllabus is an essential tool for effectively managing a course. It gives students a clear understanding of your expectations and a road map for how the course will be conducted. When done right, a syllabus can prevent a lot of misunderstandings as the semester progresses. As a middle school teacher, ...

What is an asterisk in college?

Items specific to college, but not necessarily applicable at the K-12 levels, are marked with an asterisk. Course Details: Course name, course number*, days and times the course meets, credit hours*. Course Description: A brief overview of what the course will cover for the term or year.

Do you need to get your syllabus approved?

It is essential that you get your syllabus approved by your administration prior to giving it to students, especially if this is your first time teaching in your current school. Doing this will ensure that your syllabus includes everything your institution requires, that it is in line with school policy, and that your administrator is aware of how you plan to handle certain situations.

Why is it important to have a course description and a syllabus?

It's easy to confuse a course description with a syllabus because both offer details about specific academic classes. However, a course description is generally written to help students decide if the course is one they want or need to take. A syllabus lists the specific course requirements a student must complete, ...

What is a syllabus in college?

A syllabus is much more detailed and lists textbooks and reference materials necessary for the class, important test dates, projects and points or grades necessary to pass the class.

What is a course description?

A course description provides a basic overview of what a class offers. A course description includes a course prefix, course number, course title, lecture and lab contact hours, semester credit hours, description of the class and prerequisites, according to Texas A&M University. It usually denotes what department is offering ...

Why do we need a syllabus?

You'll continually refer to it to remember important test or quiz dates, project deadlines and course requirements. You might need to double-check the instructor's policies or look up the teacher's office hours so you can schedule an appointment or tutoring session. A syllabus might also help you budget how much you need for textbooks ...

image