Top Ten Suggestions for Constructing the Syllabus

1. Include any university, college or department required information (i.e. statement on disability resources, statement on plagiarism, etc.).
2. Provide a rationale for the course. This is a good place to insert your pedagogical approach and philosophy of the subject.
3. Identify the key concepts of the subject, and relate these to the overarching objectives of the department or program.
4. Identify specific outcomes for the course and be direct about what knowledge and skills students will master as a result of the course, including outcomes that represent the means of student expression (writing, presentation, etc.).
5. Identify the assessments and evaluation criteria, and specify due dates, progress reports, checklists, documentation styles, and expectations related to organization, depth and content.
6. Provide contact information, when and where the class meets, and how to access information about the material in alternative ways, such as on-line databases or electronic reserve files (eres) at the library.
7. Describe any behavioral expectations and consequences for failure to honor these (cell phone use, tardiness, absenteeism, etc.).
8. Offer tips on how to be successful. This might include information about organizing the material, suggestions about writing, review strategies, learning styles, and links to on-line sources.
9. Identify where to go for support in the event that special needs arise and identify the emergency procedures for the classroom.
10. Provide an outline and identify key dates for exams, projects, and special events, noting that unexpected events and class requirements may make any schedule tentative.

Important Information

Starting October 2007, all course syllabi are required to include the Disability Access Statement (Senate Policy #S08-90). The official statement reads as follows:

Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations process. The DPRC is located in the Student Service Building and can be reached by telephone (voice/TTY 415-338-2472) or by email (dprc@sfsu.edu).

Additional Resources for Constructing Syllabi

• San Francisco State University Academic Senate Policy on the Syllabus
  Read the Academic Senate Policy on the Syllabus
• Davis, Barbara Gross. "Tools for Teaching: Creating A Syllabus." UCB. http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
• Center for Excellence in Teaching. University of Southern California. http://www.usc.edu/programs/cet/resources/creating_syllabi