A course syllabus is one of the most important documents you will receive from your instructor. In fact, your course syllabus will play a vital role in your success. To get the most from your syllabus, you should read it, understand it, and keep it close throughout the semester so you can refer to it as needed.
A syllabus serves as a contract between you and your instructor. It is a guide to understanding what the instructor's expectations are of you, when assignments are due, how your work will be evaluated, and the method behind calculating your grade...topics all successful college students need to know!
All this may seem a bit overwhelming but try not to worry - You can become skilled at reading and understanding a course syllabus. Listed in the table below are common sections found in a college syllabus.
Section | What it will Include |
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Instructor Information |
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Course Information |
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Textbook & Course Materials |
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Course Goals (Learning Objectives) & Grading Information |
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Course Schedule | Class assignments and their due dates. This is one of the most important sections of your syllabus because it allows you to look ahead and see when assignments are due and when exams are scheduled. You'll want to use this information to plan your workload to ensure you are prepared. |
Course Policies |
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Additional Information |
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