Writing a Course Syllabus

Faculty Development Program

Office of Medical Education
Boston University School of Medicine

All Rights Reserved 2004

No copying or duplication of this presentation without the written permission of the
Boston University Office of Medical Education
 Presentation Learning Objectives
As a result of viewing this presentation on writing
a course syllabus, you will be able to:
• Define a course syllabus
• Recall the purpose of a syllabus
• List the components of a syllabus
• Recognize some enhancements to add to your course
syllabus
 What is a course syllabus?

A syllabus is a written agreement between you and your

students that:
• provides a documentation of your course
• displays your beliefs about teaching
• requires revisions each year
• assists students in assessing their performance in your course
 Why do I need a course syllabus?
A course syllabus provides for the student:
• The reasons for taking the course
• The scope of the course
• The selected course content
• A definition of what is required for a passing grade
• Contact information and available resources
• A statement of course policies
What are the components of a syllabus?

• Table of Contents
• Course General information
• Course Description
– Introduction and Structure of Class
– Required and supplementary text, readings and materials
– Course learning objectives
– Instructor/Lecturer/Facilitator information
• Course Schedule
• Course Policies
• Lecture Synopses
A Syllabus
is basically
a study Table of Contents Use clear
guide.
Course and concise
Syllabus CourseInformation
Information(sets(setsthe
thestage)………………………………3
stage)………………………………3
General Information
General Information
wording.
components Course
CourseDirector/Manager
Director/Managercontactcontactinformation
information
Administrative Support
Administrative Support
Website
Website(CourseInfo)
(CourseInfo) Page #
Textbook
TextbookRequired
Requiredand andSuggested
SuggestedReadings
Readings
Course Description (targets course expectations)……………...4 directs
Course Description (targets course expectations)……………...4
Introduction
IntroductiontotothetheCourse
Course students to
Structure of the Course
Structure of the Course the
Course
CourseGoal
Goaland andLearning
LearningObjectives
Objectives
Areas
components
Areas of Expertise and InterestofofInvited
of Expertise and Interest InvitedLecturers
Lecturers
Class Schedule (timeline) …………………………………………5
Class Schedule (timeline) …………………………………………5
Reading
ReadingAssignments
Assignmentsand andProjects
Projects
The TOC
Course
Course Lecture and Small Group/LabTopic
Lecture and Small Group/Lab TopicList
List provides a
Quizzes and Exams
Quizzes and Exams
Course
logical and
CoursePolicies
Policies(management
(managementofofstudent
studentperformances)
performances)…..…8
…..…8
Attendance and Class Participation organized
The TOC is Attendance and Class Participation
Grading
Grading plan to the
customized Study
StudyTips
Tips(optional
(optionaland andcustomized
customizedforforeach
eachcourse)...………9
course)...………9 course
to the Lecture Synopses (begin each with learning objectives)….….10
Lecture Synopses (begin each with learning objectives)….….10 information.
needs of
each
course.
 Provide General Course Information
Introduction to Clinical Medicine
R109 Wed, Thurs & Fri
Integrated Problems L211
8:30-4:30 2:00-3:30
Tuesday B2849 Psychiatry 8:30-12:30 Wed & Thurs

• Title and course number

• Prerequisites
• Location of class
• Time
• Course Manager contact information
• Administrative support contact information
 Give Instructor Information
Gross Anatomy Wed: 9-12 Pharmacology
638-5100
L1004 M & W: 11-2 W408 @bumc.bu.edu
Genetics R608
T, Th & Fri: 4-6pm @bmc.org 414-1500 617-414-

• Name and title

• Department
• Office/location
• Preferred contact phone#, email, pager
• Office hours
• Brief summary of academic background or expertise
Designate Learning Materials

• Required Text
– Title, author, date, publisher
– Availability
– Cost
– Use in class
• Required Equipment (e.g., computer
access for CourseInfo)
• Supplementary Reading
– Required or recommending
– Availability
 State the Course Learning Objectives
describe the topic
By the end of the course, will be able to
the students
define the purpose

Please note the difference:

• Course goals orient the student to the overall purpose of the course.

• Course learning objectives specifically state the expectations of

observable student performance of the course content.

Learning By the end of the specified course, the targeted students will
Objective be able to:
example: • Define the purpose of the course
• Recognize the important issues
• List the topics covered in the lectures, labs and small group
sessions
 Supply A Course Schedule
Chapter 21 Chapter 6 Quiz
February 23
Wet Lab Assignment #7
October 14 Research hypothesis Patient Journal May 19

Dates for:
– Specific Lectures/Labs
– Reading Assignments
– Projects
– Quizzes and Exams

Date Lecture Topic Faculty Lab/Discussion Reading

9/21 Lecture 1 Dr. Best Application of Chap. 14
Lecture Hall topic Rm. R123
9/28 Quiz Lecture 1 topic Chap. 12-14
 Specify Course Policies
No Plagiarism
Optional Sessions
Mandatory Attendance
CourseInfo
40% Quizzes 10% Participation
Makeup Exam 45% Research Paper

• Attendance/tardiness
• Class participation/collaboration
• Missed exams/assignments
• Lab safety and health
• Grading (% quizzes, final exam, assignments)
• Statement of academic misconduct
• Available support system
– Course web site
– Library/Computer lab
 Syllabus Checklist
; ; ; ; ; ;
‰ General Overview of Course (Introduction, Description,
Goals and Learning objectives)
‰ Contact information for Course Manager/Instructor
‰ Required Text or Equipment
‰ Course Schedule
‰ Course Policies
‰ Course Content Topics/Lecture Synopses
 What Makes a “Good” Syllabus?
9 Clear and concise wording
9 Consistent format to pages
9 Logically organized content
9 Detailed and thorough information
9 Terms in graphics correlate to lecture
9 Proofread with no typos or misspellings
 **Syllabus Enhancements**
• Your rationale for teaching the course
• Some guidelines on how to prepare for class
• A description of what students should expect from you
and the course
• Good advice on studying for exams
• A statement regarding extra credit
• Information about re-taking exams or tutors
• Photos of Lecturers or Facilitators
 Complete Your Syllabus
Syllabus Printing options:
Syllabus • Determine if printing is in black and
white or color
• Secure, if necessary, reproduction
Course
Course Title
Title rights from lecture sources
• Prepare a “copying permission”
statement for syllabus
• Decide if printing will be single or
double sided depending on # of pages

Electronic choices:
How will the syllabus be available?
Contact
ContactInfo
Info
• CourseInfo site
Year,
Year,Session
Session • Floppy/ cd/ audiotape
 Summary
• A course syllabus is written contract between you and
your students that provides an outline or a summary of
the main points of a text, lecture or course of study.
• The purpose of a syllabus is to provide information on
the course and define the scope of the content.
• A course syllabus consists of a general overview, course
information, instructor contact information, required
reading, course schedule, course policies and a
summary of the content.
• Your syllabus can be enhanced by describing to the
students what to expect from you and the course, tips on
preparing for class and studying for exams and
information on extra credit, re-taking exams and tutors.
 Any Questions?
• Contact Faculty Development
– Gail March, Ph.D., (617) 414-7440, [email protected]
• Refer to these sources:
¾ Texts
o Birdsall, M. (1989). Writing, Designing, and Using a Course Syllabus. Boston:
Northeastern University, Office of Instructional Development and Evaluation.
o Lowther, M.A., Stark, J.S., & Martens, G.G. (1989). Preparing Course Syllabi for
Improved Communication. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, National Center for
Research to Improve Post-secondary Teaching and Learning.
¾ Electronic
o http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/syllabus/checklist_print.html
o http://captain.park.edu/faculty/development/creating_a_syllabus.htm