GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Preparing the Course Syllabus J.W. Bruce...

GTA Workshop 2015J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D.

Preparing the Course SyllabusPreparing the Course Syllabus

J.W. BruceJ.W. [email protected]@ece.msstate.edu


SyllabusSyllabus

• n. originating from 1650s

• “table of contents of a series of lectures”• “outline of the subjects in a course of study”

• Etymology:a mistaken Latin transcription (syllabos) of the Greek σιττυβονused in a 1470s edition of Cicero's "Ad Atticum" iv. 5 and 8

sittybosplural of sittyba“a strip of parchment (a label) bearing the title of the roll”


SyllabusSyllabus

• A contract between instructor and student• Explains– What topics are covered– Sequence of topics covered– How a student should contact or obtain instructional resources– How decisions concerning student performance will be made– How learning environment will be structured or operate


SyllabusSyllabus

• As a “new” GTA– you most likely instructing studio, discussion groups, recitation

session, or lab sections…• The instructor of record for your course will provide the majority of your

syllabus to you

• If you are instructor of record (primary lecturer) for a course…• You are STRONGLY encouraged to seek out experienced faculty to assist you in

making out your first syllabus


Requirements for Syllabi atRequirements for Syllabi atMississippi State University (1)Mississippi State University (1)

• MSU does not have a standard format for a syllabus– Check with your instructor, advisor, department, or college

• However, MSU AOP 13.03 (Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum) does state – "should clearly state the learning objectives for the course, assignments and exams,

standards of achievement, methods of evaluation (including the relative importance to be assigned to various factors), and the date of the final examination."

– “the course syllabus should be presented at the first meeting and that no variation is allowed”.

– “the syllabus must contain a statement that makes reference to the MSU Honor Code (AOP 12.07).”


Requirements for Syllabi atRequirements for Syllabi atMississippi State University (2)Mississippi State University (2)

• Furthermore, MSU General Counsel decreed on Jan. 8, 2015 that “All course syllabi should contain the university’s standardized statement on Title IX and sexual misconduct.”

– MSU is committed to complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination, including violence and harassment, based on sex. This means that MSU’s educational programs and activities must be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence and/or harassment by any member of the university community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to MSU’s Director of Title IX/EEO Programs at 325-8124 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Additional resources are available at http://www.msstate.edu/web/security, or at http://students.msstate.edu/sexualmisconduct/.

– Visit www.hrm.msstate.edu/aaeeo/titleix/ for more details.


First Day of ClassFirst Day of Class

• Provide a syllabus to every student– Also have an electronic version available throughout semester

• Highlight information of most interest to students• Orally address aspects of syllabus most important to you

• Consider having a “quiz” on syllabus policies


QuizQuizOops, I forgot to mention this quiz in the syllabus.Oops, I forgot to mention this quiz in the syllabus.


QuizQuiz

Q1) Where can you find the standard format MSU syllabus?


QuizQuiz

Q1) Where can you find the standard format MSU syllabus?

This is a trick question...This is a trick question...There is NO standard format for MSU syllabi.There is NO standard format for MSU syllabi.


QuizQuiz

Q2) What are the “required” items in a MSU syllabus?


QuizQuiz

Q2) What are the “required” items in a MSU syllabus?

• Learning objectives for the course• Assignments and exams• Standards of achievement• Methods of evaluation

• including relative importance to be assigned to including relative importance to be assigned to various factorsvarious factors

• Date of the final exam• Honor Code statement• Title IX statement


QuizQuiz

Q3) Where are these required items listed?


QuizQuiz

Q3) Where are these required items listed?

AOP 13.03AOP 13.03Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and CurriculumFaculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum


QuizQuiz

Q4) When is the syllabus to be given to students?


QuizQuiz

Q4) When is the syllabus to be given to students?

Per AOP 13.03, the first day of class.Per AOP 13.03, the first day of class.

It is a good idea to provide an electronic version of the syllabus on your class It is a good idea to provide an electronic version of the syllabus on your class website throughout the semester.website throughout the semester.


QuizQuiz

Q5) What part(s) of a syllabus can be changed during the semester?


QuizQuiz

Q5) What part(s) of a syllabus can be changed during the semester?

Ideally, none. The syllabus is a “contract”.Ideally, none. The syllabus is a “contract”.

However, it is reasonable to expect that the dates and durations of the course However, it is reasonable to expect that the dates and durations of the course topics may change due to circumstance.topics may change due to circumstance.


SummarySummary

• The syllabus is a “contract”The syllabus is a “contract”• It can It can NOTNOT be changed mid-semester. be changed mid-semester.

• Make sure your syllabus is soundMake sure your syllabus is sound• Does your syllabus have everything you need? Are your policies are sound? Are Does your syllabus have everything you need? Are your policies are sound? Are

your policies practical? Do you have procedures for unusual student actions?your policies practical? Do you have procedures for unusual student actions?• Have your advisor/instructor of record/faculty review your syllabusHave your advisor/instructor of record/faculty review your syllabus

• Improve your syllabus every semesterImprove your syllabus every semester• Keep what worked well. Improve, change, or remove what did not.Keep what worked well. Improve, change, or remove what did not.

• A good syllabus will save you time and from headachesA good syllabus will save you time and from headaches


Syllabus ResourcesSyllabus Resources• An expanded version of this presentation “Preparing a Course Syllabus”,

“Syllabus Components” and “Purposes of a Syllabus”– located at www.grad.msstate.edu/current/presentations/

then click “GTA Workshop Presentations”

• “What’s in a Good Syllabus?” and “Syllabus Template”– located at www.ctl.msstate.edu/instructionalresources/teachingresources/

• MSU Academic Operating Policy (AOP) 13.03– located at www.policies.msstate.edu/policypdfs/1303.pdf


[email protected]


RECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR SYLLABIRECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR SYLLABI

The following slides contain items that are recommended to be contained in a syllabus. Some of these items may, or may not, be pertinent to your course, field of study, or instructional situation.


Recommended Items for Syllabi (1)Recommended Items for Syllabi (1)• Basic Course Information– Semester and year– Course title, number, credit hours– Course meeting times and locations– Instructor and Teaching Assistant information– Office hours (face to face and/or online)– Contact information (email, phone numbers, fax, mobile?)– Learning resources

• URLs• Course web pages/myCourses information• Class email lists


Recommended Items for Syllabi (2)Recommended Items for Syllabi (2)

• Course Description– Prerequisites– Overview of course– Student learning objectives– Methods of instruction



• Student Materials– Required books or readings– Recommended and optional books or readings– Electronics resources• website, discussion forum, videos, etc.

– Other necessary supplies and/or equipment


Recommended Items for Syllabi (4)Recommended Items for Syllabi (4)• Course Deliverables and Dates– Exams & quizzes– Homework assignments & problem sets– Recitations– Projects– Reports– Presentations– Research papers– Laboratory experiences



• Course Policies– Grading procedures– Attendance and tardiness– Class participation– Classroom decorum– Missed exams/make up policy– Missed assignments

– Late assignments/extensions– Reporting illness and family

emergencies– Extra credit opportunities– Permissible and impermissible

collaboration



• Course Schedule– Tentative** calendar by topics and readings– Firm dates for exams and major course assignments– Dates of special events• University holidays• Key academic calendar dates (e.g. Last day to drop or withdraw)

– Final exam date, time, and location

** Include “Disclaimer” that topical schedule is subject to change as conditions warrant** Include “Disclaimer” that topical schedule is subject to change as conditions warrant



• Student Accommodations– A request that students see the instructor for details on

accommodations for physical, medical, and learning disabilities– A statement on reasonable accommodations for students’ religious

beliefs, observations, and practices



• Learning Support Resources– Tips for success– Copies of past exams or model student papers– Links to appropriate support materials– Academic support services on campus• Teaching Assistants, Tutoring, Student Support Services, etc.



• Safety and Emergency Procedures– What to do in case on an emergency– Notification procedures of inclement weather– Evacuation procedures– Lab safety procedures

GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Preparing the Course Syllabus J.W. Bruce...

Documents

Transcript of GTA Workshop 2015 J.W. BRUCE, Ph.D. Preparing the Course Syllabus J.W. Bruce...