Maricopa Syllabus Resource Center

A course syllabus is a vital part of any class as it provides a framework for the instructor and the student on what is expected from each party. A syllabus is essentially the first material that students receive on the first day of class and it gives all members of the course clear information about what is expected. It is essential that a course syllabus contain information pertinent to the instructor(s), policies, and curriculum.

A syllabus is tangible evidence of the goals, learning objectives, instructional activities, and performance requirements of a specific course. While the syllabus is typically seen as a contract between the instructor and students concerning the nature and guidelines of a course, syllabi are also used to examine the relationship of a course within the broader curriculum. As such, in addition to facilitating communication between the instructor and student, syllabi are utilized by administrators, institutions, and accreditation agencies to document the role and effectiveness of a specific course. The purposes of a syllabus can be divided into three different functions: practical, theoretical, and institutional.

Practical	Theoretical	Institutional
Establishes an early point of contact between student and instructor	Describes the instructor's beliefs about educational purposes of the course	Provides evidence to meet accreditation requirements
Helps set the tone for the course	Sets the course in a broader context for learning	Serves as a learning contract between the student, instructor, and institution
Acquaints students with the logistics of the course	Provides a conceptual framework for course activities	Provides a tangible record of course goals and objectives
Defines student responsibilities for successful course work	Ties course material to learning outside the classroom	Creates an account of course activities
Helps students to assess their readiness for the course	Highlights purpose and rationale for course	May be utilized as part of the instructor's personnel file
Describes available learning resources and encourages students' self monitoring	Reinforces the intentions, roles, attitudes, and strategies that an instructor will utilize to promote active, purposeful, effective learning.	Ensures that instructor is providing contracted services to the institution
Communicates the role of various instructional strategies in the course	Communicates course focus within the curriculum	Utilized for recruiting both students and instructors
Specifies the duties and responsibilities of both parties	Identifies course goals, learning objectives, and evaluation system	Serves as documenting evidence to protect against student complaints

A good, student-centered syllabus provides students with an overview of the course, outlines performance and knowledge expectations, and highlights resources that promote a quality learning experience. A well-constructed syllabus is a detailed document that allows students to understand the course as an integrated whole while recognizing the discrete activities required to achieve overall course objectives.

Adapted from Park University, 2007.