Definition and Components of a Syllabus | Generated by AI
Question: What does “syllabus” mean?
Answer:
A syllabus is a document that outlines the plan for a course of study, typically in an educational setting such as a school, college, or university. It serves as a guide for both instructors and students.
Key elements usually included in a syllabus:
- Course title and description: The name of the course and a brief overview of its content and objectives.
- Learning outcomes/objectives: What students are expected to know or be able to do by the end of the course.
- Topics and schedule: A list of topics to be covered, often with a weekly or session-by-session timeline.
- Required materials: Textbooks, readings, software, or other resources needed.
- Assessment methods: Details on exams, assignments, projects, quizzes, participation, and their weighting toward the final grade.
- Grading policy: How grades are calculated, including criteria and scales.
- Course policies: Rules on attendance, late submissions, academic integrity, accommodations, etc.
- Instructor information: Contact details, office hours, and teaching assistants if applicable.
In essence, the syllabus acts as a contract between the teacher and students, setting clear expectations for the course. The word originates from Latin/Greek, originally referring to a label or table of contents in a book, but its modern educational meaning developed in the 19th-20th centuries.