Understanding a College Syllabus
Deadlines, Lateness Guidelines, and Other Important information
Jun 19, 2008 Naomi Rockler-Gladen
What is a Course Syllabus?
A syllabus is a multi-page document that a professor writes to provide students with information about the course. Typically, the instructor distributes the syllabus to students on the first day of class. In some classes, syllabi are available online.
Most professors go over the syllabus with you in class and ask you if you have any questions about it. After the professor goes over the syllabus, you are expected to be familiar with all of its contents. Do not lose the syllabus, and ask for (or print out) another copy promptly if you misplace it.
Your Syllabus is a Contact Sheet
On the front page of your syllabus, you'll find information on how to contact the professor (and the teaching assistant, if there is one). Here you'll find a phone number, an office number, and email address, and any other relevant information. You'll also find the professor's office hours, which are times when the professor will be in his or her office and available to meet with students who have questions.
Your Syllabus is a Schedule
One of the most important functions of a syllabus is that it serves as a course schedule that tells you exactly when assignments are due and when readings are expected to be completed. One of the big differences between high school and college coursework is that in college, you're not going to have daily reminders about assignments and deadlines. Instead, this information is in the syllabus-- so it's important to look at the syllabus several times a week so that you'll know when things are due.
Your Syllabus is a Guidebook
The syllabus contains all the basic information you need for this course. Syllabi vary in content, but these are typical types of information you will find on them:
- A list of required (and sometimes optional) readings for the course
- Information on where to get the readings
- A grading scale. Typically, you'll be informed how many points you need to get an A, a B, and so forth
- Information about the course absence or lateness policy, if there is one
- information about how you will be penalized if you turn in an assignment late
- Information on how to appeal a grade
- Policies on how to conduct work in the lab, if applicable
- Guidelines for class discussion
- Guidelines for participating in online class activities, if applicable
- Other rules about course conduct
- Tips on how to succeed in the course
Your Syllabus is a Course Preview
Reading a syllabus is a good way to get a feel for what a course is like, especially if it's a detailed and well-written syllabus. It may contain a discussion of course objectives, a discussion of the instructor's teaching philosophy, and other information that gives you some perspective into what this class is all about. If you're trying to decide between two classes, be sure to read the syllabus for each class. And if the syllabus for a class gives you the impression that this isn't the right class for you, perhaps you need to drop it.
Your Syllabus is a Contract
The main reason why the syllabus is so important is because, as far as the instructor is concerned, it's the class law. If a student hands in a paper late and then complains about the lateness penalty, the instructor will say, "Hey, it's on the syllabus." By reading the syllabus and then agreeing to stay in the class, you have essentially agreed to the terms of the contract. At the same time, the professor cannot change the contract and hand out a harsher lateness policy at will.
Take Your Syllabus Seriously
Many students pay little attention to their syllabi, and as a result, they lack information about deadlines and class procedures. Be sure to spend the short time it takes to read through the syllabus, and glance back it often so you know what's due when.
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