what are the different components of a course syllabus

by Hillary Gleichner 6 min read

Additional Components of a Learner-Centered Syllabus

Components Description
Basic Course Info Course abbreviation, number, title, seme ...
Instructor Info and Office Hours, Prefer ... Name (If appropriate, include your nickn ...
Expectations for Instructor and Student Provide a list of expectations of your s ...
Pre-Requisites (if applicable) List pre-requisites including foundation ...
May 26 2022

Generally, a syllabus should include the following information:
  • Learning Objectives. What students will gain or take away from your course. ...
  • Goal/Rationale. ...
  • Basic Information. ...
  • Course Content. ...
  • Student Responsibilities. ...
  • Grading Method. ...
  • Materials and Access. ...
  • Teaching Philosophy.

Full Answer

What is included in a syllabus of a course?

Answer Wiki. 1 Answer. A syllabus is very detailed and includes such information as: Instructor information including office phone, office hours, email address, name, department, and if the office has a secretary - that person’s telephone number.

What should be included in a course description?

A course description is a brief summary statement or paragraph about the nature of a course. Well-written course descriptions use active voice, whole sentences, and direct statements. To ensure consistency across sections and instructors, all instructors should take course descriptions directly from their institution’s catalog.

Why is it important to read a course syllabus?

In order to fully benefit from the course syllabus, it is important for you to read it, understand it, and keep it handy as you will be continuously referring to it throughout the duration of your course. Why is a Course Syllabus Important?

What is the difference between a subject syllabus and curriculum?

A subject syllabus is simply a unit of a course or subject curriculum. Curriculum can be termed as a combination of the syllabus, course design, classes timetable as well as lesson plans for the subject. Also, the syllabus is devised by teachers while the curriculum is formulated by the board of education.

What are the components of a course?

The three primary components of a course are the learning objectives, assessments and instructional strategies. Once these three components are identified, at least provisionally, the next task is to organize them into a coherent, dynamic whole. This involves: Deciding on a course structure.

What is a course syllabus?

What is a Course Syllabus? A course syllabus is an important document given to you by your professor on the first day of class. Ideally, a course syllabus can be looked upon as a roadmap of your course -- it contains valuable information that will help you succeed and stay organized throughout the entire semester.

What are the four types of syllabus?

The Structural Syllabus. The structural or grammatical syllabus is doubtless the most familiar of syllabus types. ... The Notional/Functional Syllabus. ... Situational Syllabi. ... Skill-Based Syllabi. ... The Task-Based Syllabus. ... The Content-Based Syllabus.

What is the difference between a course outline and a syllabus?

A course outline gives the basic components of the course required to be taught by all instructors; whereas a syllabus describes how an individual instructor will teach that course in terms of specific assignments, dates, grading standards, and other rules of conduct required by that instructor.

What are the 6 types of syllabus?

In language teaching contexts, there are six types of language syllabus: grammar syllabus, situational syllabus, notional syllabus, task-based syllabus, skill-based syllabus and content- based syllabus.

What are the six types of syllabus?

Types of SyllabusFunctional & Notional Syllabi –Concentric syllabus –Cyclic syllabus / Spiral syllabus –Topical syllabus /Unit syllabus –Eclectic syllabus / Mixed syllabus –

What are the main features of syllabus?

Characteristics of a Good SyllabusAn Introductory paragraph that tells the student what the class is about. ... Explicitly list the pedagogical goals for the course. ... Types of assignments and their “weight” in the overall course grade. ... A class calendar with reading assignments, course subtopics, due dates for assignments.More items...•

How do I write a course syllabus?

How Do You Create a Syllabus?List your class's name and official course code (if applicable)Fill in basic course information.Create a course goal.Note and describe who you are.Note all needed materials.Create a class calendar.Note any policies that differ from school policies.Note grading systems, scales, and curves.More items...•

What is syllabus example?

The definition of a syllabus is a summary of what will be covered in a course of study. An example of a syllabus is what a college professor hands out to his students on the first day of class. A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.

What is a syllabus and what is its purpose?

When we think about what it is, a syllabus is most simply a document that expresses to the reader the intentions of the instructor regarding course content, learning goals, assessment approach, and expectations. It outlines for the reader what is expected to transpire during the course and what should be learned.

What should be on a syllabus for online classes?

Regardless of whether you teach an online class or a face-to-face class, you should make your contact information readily available on your syllabus. All syllabi should include the instructor’s name, e-mail address, phone number, and office hours. The relevance of other contact information depends on the type of class.

What is the grade computation section of the syllabus?

The grade computation section of the syllabus is the second section to which students give considerable attention. You should specify the value of each graded item in the course so that students know how to weight their focus in the class.

What is a course objective?

Course Objectives (Course Outcomes) Course objectives, or outcomes, detail the specific goals of the course as they relate to student performance. Strong course objectives are specific, measurable, clear, and related. To be specific, objectives must identify the information students will learn in the class.

What is course description?

A course description is a brief summary statement or paragraph about the nature of a course. Well-written course descriptions use active voice, whole sentences, and direct statements. To ensure consistency across sections and instructors, all instructors should take course descriptions directly from their institution’s catalog.

What is course methodology?

Course methodology refers to how the class approaches student learning. Many online courses feature a variety of learning methods, including readings, case studies, tests, quizzes, and discussions. Describing the course methodology gives students some expectation of the materials they will use to learn in the class.

What are specific objectives?

To be specific, objectives must identify the information students will learn in the class. To be measurable, objectives must identify the performance that students must demonstrate for mastery. To be clear, objectives must articulate the sum of knowledge addressed in the course.

Do syllabi have to be the same?

In addition, the syllabi for both face-to-face and online versions of the same class should provide identical course descriptions and course objectives, because most accrediting bodies (especially regional ones) require that all sections of a course, regardless of the delivery method, assess students equally.

What are the elements of a syllabus?

Typical elements of a syllabus include: Course information (course title, quarter, your name) Contact information including your office location, phone number, and email address (some instructors also choose to include their pronouns ) Course description and prerequisites. Student learning outcomes. Required materials. Assigned work.

What is a syllabus in college?

Twenty years ago, many instructors would have described the syllabus as a “table of contents” or, alternatively, a “contract.” Today’s books on college teaching and course design are likely to draw on different metaphors: the syllabus is a map or travelogue, as it both describes the intended destination and explains why one might want to go in the first place (Nilson, 27).

What is the importance of organizing information into a conceptual framework?

In its review of literature on cognition and learning, the National Resource Council found that "organizing information into a conceptual framework allows for greater 'transfer '; that is, it allows the student to apply what was learned in new situations and to learn related information more quickly " (17).

What is rationale in a course?

A rationale for the course stated in the context of the aims of the department and/or division; A statement on the types of instruction (i.e., lecture; lecture-discussion; lab, etc.); Specific materials required for the course (books, pamphlets, library materials, etc.);

What are the violations of academic integrity at DePaul University?

Violations of academic integrity, in any of their forms, are, therefore, detrimental to the values of DePaul, to the students’ own development as responsible members of society, and to the pursuit of knowledge and the transmission of ideas . Violations include but are not limited to the following categories: cheating; plagiarism; fabrication; falsification or sabotage of research data; destruction or misuse of the university’s academic resources; alteration or falsification of academic records; and academic misconduct. Conduct that is punishable under the Academic Integrity Policy could result in additional disciplinary actions by other university officials and possible civil or criminal prosecution. Please refer to your Student Handbook or visit Academic Integrity at DePaul University (http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu) for further details.

What is a course component?

A course component refers to the type of section a given class is, for example a lecture or lab. While many courses have just a single component, it is very common for courses to have multiple ...

What is component in a class?

A component is distinct in that it is an entirely separate class section that is scheduled separately and students enroll into separately.

What is a multiple component lecture?

The most common multiple-component situation is a large lecture whose students are also enrolled in smaller associated lab or discussion sections. It is important to note that a component doesn’t refer to the nature of instruction of a class.

What is enrollment component?

The enrollment component is the one into which students actually enroll (which causes them to be automatically enrolled into any associated sections). Generally speaking, this is the section for which students receive grades and for which instructors are evaluated. In Fall 2019, students enrolled in 16 different lab sections associated ...

What is a didactic classroom experience in which a faculty member is responsible for presenting and facilitating discussion of learning

A didactic classroom experience in which a faculty member is responsible for presenting and facilitating discussion of learning material and related instructional activities. Sometimes known as “traditional.”. Discussion. A course or a section of a larger course designed for group discussion or student discussion.

What is a course or a section of a larger course designed for group discussion or student discussion?

A course or a section of a larger course designed for group discussion or student discussion. Sometimes known as “recitation.”. Instructional activities conducted by the faculty and requiring student participation, experimentation, observation, or practice.

What is the term for the activities of a faculty member outside of an individual course or classroom experience?

Instructional activities conducted by the faculty outside of an individual course or classroom experience. Practicum. Practical student work under the supervision of a faculty member or a professional in the student’s field and regular consultation with a faculty member. Research.

What is a course syllabus?

Academic Success Services. A course syllabus is one of the most important documents you will receive from your professor. Believe it or not, your course syllabus will play a vital role in the overall success of your course.

Why is a syllabus important?

If properly utilized, a course syllabus will help you plan your semester efficiently and help limit confusion and stress. In short, a course syllabus will indicate what you as a student will be expected to do in a course, and how your performance throughout the course will be evaluated and graded. Common questions about a course can often be ...

How many hours does Suffolk University take?

For a 3 credit course, you should anticipate a total of 135 hours, and for a 4 credit course, you should anticipate a total of 180 hours.

What is Suffolk University's ethical standards?

Students are expected to practice ethical behavior in all learning environments and scenarios, including classrooms and laboratories, internships and practica, and study groups and academic teams. Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, use of unauthorized electronic devices, self-plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, and other types of academic misconduct are treated as serious offenses that initiate a formal process of inquiry, one that may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

What is textbook material?

Textbooks can refer to print or digital books and course materials may refer to different items such as calculators, clickers, computer software, etc.

Is a course syllabus easy to read?

At a first glance, a course syllabus may seem overwhelming, but be assured that it is actually a very easy to read document. Below you will find a list of sections you will commonly see your course syllabus, the type of information found in each of those sections, ...

How long do you have to design a course?

This can be done after you have a design for one or two weeks, modules, or chapters.

What is a well written learning outcome?

Well written learning outcomes will specify what learners will need to know and be able to do as a result of learning. They will also help you select, create, and organize the content, activities, instructional strategies and assessments for the course.

What is instructional strategy?

Instructional strategies are methods and learning activities that are arranged and used strategically in order to maximize students’ ability to learn. An instructional strategy will likely include the following: An introduction or preparation phase. Exposing students to subject matter, concepts and ideas.

Why is it important to think about assessment, evaluation and feedback early in the design phase?

It is important to think about assessment, evaluation and feedback early in the design phase as it may be easier to determine instructional strategies, learning activities, and learning materials and resources after you determine the main assessment for the course.

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Instructor Information

Course Description

  • A course description is a brief summary statement or paragraph about the nature of a course. Well-written course descriptions use active voice, whole sentences, and direct statements. To ensure consistency across sections and instructors, all instructors should take course descriptions directly from their institution’s catalog.
See more on ctl.wiley.com

Course Objectives

  • Course objectives, or outcomes, detail the specific goals of the course as they relate to student performance. Strong course objectives are specific, measurable, clear, and related. To be specific, objectives must identify the information students will learn in the class. To be measurable, objectives must identify the performance that students must demonstrate for mastery. To be cl…
See more on ctl.wiley.com

Course Methodology

  • Course methodology refers to how the class approaches student learning. Many online courses feature a variety of learning methods, including readings, case studies, tests, quizzes, and discussions. Describing the course methodology gives students some expectation of the materials they will use to learn in the class. It also gives students the infor...
See more on ctl.wiley.com

Grading Criteria

  • Many students focus their attention on the section of the syllabus that lists the grading criteria. Adult learners especially value having clear guidelines they can follow as they complete their class work. Therefore, you should spend time writing unambiguous grading criteria for each method you will use to grade students.
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Grade Computation

  • The grade computation section of the syllabus is the second section to which students give considerable attention. You should specify the value of each graded item in the course so that students know how to weight their focus in the class.
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Course Policies

  • Many institutions use standardized syllabi with predefined course policies; however, instructors often must rewrite course policies designed for face-to-face courses to make them relevant for online courses. For example, attendance policies that discuss tardiness and use of cell phones do not apply to most online courses.
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Attendance

  • Students must access the online course regularly to ensure that they receive the most up-to-date announcements. The learning management system reports each participant’s access times so that instructors can track student attendance. Students who access the course only one or two times per week may receive less consideration if they request extensions or make-up exams. It i…
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References

  • Mager, R. F. (1997). Preparing instructional objectives: A critical tool in the development of effective instruction.Atlanta, GA: Center for Effective Performance.
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