A syllabus outlines the essential details of a course, including course objectives, assignments, exams, and attendance requirements. It serves as a roadmap for students, providing them with a clear understanding of the course's content and expectations.
In the Fall 2021 semester, Professor Dr. Kenyon Wilson of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga introduced students to an engaging and informative college class. At the heart of this course was a comprehensive syllabus, a roadmap that provided a clear overview of the class and its expectations.
The syllabus, typically 5-8 pages in length, according to the Rochester Institute of Technology, starts with the professor's name, office location, office hours, and contact information. It then introduces the class, acting as a contract between the instructor and students, providing information about the topic and the instructor.
The course description, a crucial part of the syllabus, details the professor's approach to the subject and the themes and topics to be covered in the class. For instance, in Dr. Wilson's class, students could expect a focus on engaging discussions and a deep dive into the subject matter.
The syllabus also lists learning objectives, detailing the knowledge and skills that will be developed in the class. This section helps students understand what they should gain from the course and what is expected of them.
A significant portion of the syllabus is dedicated to the class schedule. This weekly schedule lays out the lecture and discussion topics for each class session, along with reading assignments, due dates, and other deadlines. It also specifies how much participation factors into grades.
The syllabus acts as a guide for students, helping them plan ahead for exams and essays, determine which books and supplies to buy for class, and understand what to expect. It also outlines the instructor's expectations of students, including attendance and participation policies, late penalties, makeup policies, academic integrity rules, and the course's policy on plagiarism.
Moreover, the syllabus provides information about extra credit opportunities and whether the class uses a curve. It also might include policies on technology in class or recording lectures, and information about student services.
The final section of a syllabus typically lists university policies, including those related to discrimination, disability accommodations, and more. In an unusual twist, Dr. Kenyon Wilson, the professor, hid a $50 bill in a locker described in the syllabus for his class in fall 2021.
On the first day of class, many professors go over the syllabus, highlighting key information like the number of exams or the grading policy. Dr. Wilson, however, compared the syllabus to the terms and conditions when installing software, suggesting that not many students read it thoroughly.
Despite this, it's essential for students to read the syllabus at the beginning of the term and return to it regularly for reminders about class policies and due dates. After all, a well-prepared student is a successful student.
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