1. …an outline or summary of topics to be covered in a course.
How to Read a
…an outline or summary of topics to be covered in a course.
Inspired by Maria Vita Calkins (2007) and Tara L. Davis Adapted by Jorge Aguilar (2012)
For use with How to Read a Syllabus Lesson Images used for educational purposes only.

2. …document providing information you need about the course.
It is a…
…document providing information you need about the course.
…contract between the student and the instructor.
It should…
give details as to what is expected of you.
explains what it will take to be successful.
outlines instructor and student responsibilities.
It includes…
a course description
course goals/objectives
requirements
outline or schedule
instructor policies

3. A syllabus is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions among students such as:
What topic will we discuss today?
When is this assignment due?
What must I do for this assignment?
When is the test/quiz?
I was absent, what did I miss?
Before you ask your instructor, first consult your syllabus!

4. Parts of a Syllabus
There are as many styles of syllabi as there are instructors, but all cover five main areas.
General Course Information
Course Description/Objectives
Books and Materials
Course Policies
Course Calendar/Schedule

5. Parts of a Syllabus General Course Information
On the top of the first page of every syllabus you will find:
Course title and number
Location and meeting times
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name
Campus Mailbox #
Address
Office Room #
Phone number:
An instructor may also include office hours.

6. Parts of a Syllabus Course Description and Objectives
Also included on the first page:
What to expect from the course.
What you should be able to do by the end of the course.
What types of teaching methods will be used such as:
Mostly Lecture?
Discussions?
Projects or Groupwork?
Videos or Fieldtrips?
This info may also be found on other pages.

7. Parts of a Syllabus Books and Materials
Found on the 1st or 2nd page:
Required Materials
Required Books
Recommended or suggested books and additional materials
Other/Course Reserves
Reserves are items set aside at the library for class use.
The type of info varies greatly from instructor to instructor

8. Parts of a Syllabus Course Policies
Policies include expectations and consequences.
Grading / Attendance Policy
Tardiness/Absences
Late Assignments
Make-ups or Extra Credit
Electronic Device Use
Cell phones, ipods, etc…
Cheating and Plagiarism
Instructors typically have a brief review of plagiarism and cheating somewhere in the syllabus. Students are also instructed to refer to their student handbook’s official section on plagiarism.
Each instructor has their own rules!

9. Parts of a Syllabus Course Calendar and Schedule
The course outline is the most important part of the syllabus:
It is an overview of the course that includes assignment details:
Due Dates
Daily/Weekly Topics and Readings
Homework Assignments
Essays and Papers
Tests and Exams
Some outlines are simple and others very detailed.
Schedules change. Listen and make adjustments.

10. Related Lessons Lesson: How to Read a Syllabus
Lesson: Calculating Your Grade in ORT

11. Sources For 2008 Update by Tara L. Davis
Sanders, Scott. What is a Syllabus. (2007) Retrieved from:
Syllabus Images Slide 1 and 4: Retrieved from:
From Original Power Point “Understanding a Course Syllabus” by Maria Vita Calkins
Altman, Howard B. Writing a Syllabus. Retrieved from:
American Heritage Dictionary online. Retrieved from:
Davis, Barbara G. (1993). Tools for Teaching. Jossey-Bass Publishers. Chapter 2: The Course Syllabus
UCSC Teaching Toolbox. Retrieved from: