Syllabus Guidance

Creating a Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is the first interaction between instructor and students and can help to shape students' motivation and engagement in the course. Research supporst the idea that a well-designed syllabus can postiively impact your students and their learning. The authoritative tone of a traditional syllabus can unintentionally set an unwelcoming tone and perceived distance between instructor and student. A learner-centered syllabus, on the other hand, is focused on learner success and is more conversational in nature. Instead of a formal-sounding document, the learner-centered syllabus uses language meant to generate interest, increase engagement, and to guide the student toward resources that may contribute to their success. 

Course Syllabus Templates

The following syllabus templates are provided to assist you with designing an effective course syllabus. These templates include placeholders for important syllabus components, sample language, policy statements, and links to student resources. 

Important Considerations for Course Syllabus Design

• Write a course description that helps students understand why this course is important. Use student-centered language that might grab their attention and excite them about participating in the course.
• Include course-level learning outcomes that address the question, “Why is this course useful?” Lead with a statement such as, “Upon completion of this course, you will….”
• Provide contact information such as your name, title, office location, phone number, email, and office hours. Include a short self-introduction that helps students to get to know you, includes how you would like to be addressed, and your preferred or best method of contact.
• Use an inviting and supportive tone to help students to feel connected and positive about learning.
• Use styles and built-in accessibility tools, or use one of the customizable syllabus templates, to ensure that your syllabus is compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.
• Upload your course syllabus into your class site on the university’s LMS where students will have access throughout the semester.

References and Resources

Bart, M. (2015). A learner-centered syllabus helps set the tone for learning. Faculty Focus. Retrieved from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-classroom-management/a-learner-centered-syllabus-helps-set-the-tone-for-learning/ 

Harnish, R. J., & Bridges, K. R. (2011). Effect of syllabus tone: Students' perceptions of instructor and course. Social Psychology of Education: An International Journal, 14(3), 319–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-011-9152-4 

Ludy, M., Brackenbury, T., Folkins, J., Peet, S., & Langendorfer, S. (2016). Student impressions of syllabus design: Engaging versus contractual syllabus. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 10(2), 1-23. 

Palmer, M., Bach, D., Streifer, A. (2014). Measuring the promise: A learning-focused syllabus rubric. To Improve The Academy 33(1), 13-36. 

Weimer, M. (2013). Learner-centered teaching: Five key changes to practice (2nd ed.). Joossey-Bass. 

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). ASCD.