Syllabus Design & Development
Ellen Varley Distance Learning Specialist
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
June 14, 2005
2005 Ellen N. Varley All Rights Reserved
Objectives
Describe purpose of a syllabus Identify components of a syllabus Review examples of syllabi Create comprehensive syllabus for your course
Purpose of a Syllabus
Initial contact between the instructor and students Provides a comprehensive overview of the course, including description, goals, objectives and expectations Contract between instructor and students describing responsibilities and duties of each
Components of Syllabus
Faculty information General description and goal of course Course objectives Course schedule /calendar Instructional strategies/methodologies Required text or materials Evaluation procedures and criteria Relevant institutional policies
Faculty Information
Biography Photo Contact information
Address Phone Email
Online office hours Contact information for technical support
General Description of Course
Welcome to students Broad course goals Relationship of course to overall curriculum Synopsis of content Prerequisites
Course Objectives
Learner-centered Measurable Clear and concise Complete Specific Competency based
Course Schedule
Content release and deadlines Readings and web resources Due dates
Individual and group assignments Assessments quizzes, exams
Calendar information
Instructional Strategies
Content delivery reading assignments Discussion forums Individual and group activities Written assignments Student reflections Self-assessment Quizzes
Required Texts and Resources
Primary textbook Other course materials
Optional texts and reading materials Web resources Library resources
Laboratory materials Hardware and software requirements
Assessment Procedures & Criteria
Participation standards quality and quantity of discussion postings Individual and group activities Quizzes and exams Extra credit criteria Grading rubric for all requirements http://www.courses.umd.edu
Relevant Institutional Policies
Academic integrity Students with disabilities Course and instructor evaluation Link to student handbook
Syllabus Guidelines
University of Maryland
http://www.faculty.umd.edu/teach/syllabus.htm
Expanded Departmental Guidelines
http://www.bsos.umd.edu/advising/faculty_handbook/fh_syllabus.htm
Professor Butterworth
http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/butterworth/Index.htm
Examples of Syllabi
University of Pittsburgh
http://www.pitt.edu/~ciddeweb/FACULTY-DEVELOPMENT/fds/SYLLABUS.HTML
Boise State University
http://oit.boisestate.edu/fp/syllabus.htm
Dallas County Community College
http://dallastelecollege.dcccd.edu
Examples of Online Syllabi
Veterinary Medicine Options and Opportunities Metabolic Complications Overview of Food Safety Risk Analysis http://www.courses.umd.edu
Activity
Review your current syllabus Search web for additional syllabus recommendations for your discipline Revise your syllabus according to guidelines of the University of Costa Rica and best practices
Questions Comments Discussion
