Syllabus:
What function does your syllabus serve? Common functions faculty cite include serving as a contract, listing required textbooks, detailing policies and procedures, and describing the focus of the course. Less commonly, professors note that the syllabus describes their teaching philosophy, lists resources available to help students succeed, and explains how their course fits into a discipline or broader context.
One important role a syllabus plays that is frequently overlooked by professors is that it sets the tone for the rest of the semester. The syllabus is the initial point of interaction between you and your students and it can create powerful first impressions.
Creating a Learner-Centered Syllabus: The Function of a Syllabus (video)
Creating a Learner-Centered Syllabus: The Form of a Syllabus (video)
