A syllabus is a document that communicates an instructor’s intentions for a course, including content, learning goals, assessments, and expectations. It outlines what students should learn and how the course will unfold.
Research shows that a syllabus serves three key purposes:
- Record of the course
- Contract between instructor and student
- Learning tool (Parkes & Harris, 2002)
Serving as a Record & Contract
A syllabus provides transparency and accountability for instructors, departments, and students. Common elements that support this role include:
- Course title, term, department
- Credit hours
- Instructor name and rank
- Prerequisites and required materials
- Course objectives and content description
As a contract, it outlines expectations and decision-making processes, often including:
- Course calendar
- Grading policies
- Attendance and late work policies
- Policies on academic integrity, accommodations, and revisions
Serving as a Learning Tool
A well-designed syllabus also supports student learning by including:
- Guidance for planning and time management
- Study and test-taking strategies
- Instructor and TA availability
- Campus support resources
- The relevance and purpose of the course
For the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Campus Syllabus page on SharePoint.