20 Understanding a Course Syllabus
Your syllabus will be located in one of the following locations:
- The Course Syllabus tab, as found on the course navigation panel in the undergraduate program at The American Women’s College.
- The Syllabus tab, as found on the course navigation panel of your course in the traditional undergraduate program at Bay Path University.
What is a Course Syllabus?
A syllabus is a document that provides students with information about the course including required texts, assignments and the schedule. You will also learn about important policies regarding academic expectations.
The Syllabus is like an Instruction Manual
The syllabus contains all the basic information you need for this course. Syllabi vary in content, but these are typical types of information you will find on them:
- A list of required (and sometimes optional) readings for the course
- Information on where to get the readings
- A grading scale. Typically, you’ll be informed how many points you need to get an A, a B, and so forth
- Information about the course absence or lateness policy, if there is one
- Policies on how to conduct work in the lab, if applicable
- Guidelines for class discussion
- Guidelines for participating in online class activities, if applicable
- Other rules about course conduct
The Syllabus is a Preview
Reading a syllabus is a good way to get a feel for what a course is going to be like. Most have course objectives, which tell you what you will be learning, while others might include the professor’s teaching philosophy. In other words, the syllabus is a valuable tool for achieving the most from your courses.
The Syllabus is a Contract
The main reason the syllabus is so important is because, as far as the instructor is concerned, it’s the law by which they run their class. By reading the syllabus and then staying in the class, you have essentially agreed to the terms of the syllabus.
Take the Syllabus Seriously
Be sure to spend the short time it takes to read through the syllabus, and review it often so you know what’s due when. One last suggestion! Even if the syllabus is available online, print it out and keep it in the notebook for that class. You may need to refer to it when you do not have a computer readily available.
Check out a sample course syllabus.