The document explains the distinction between a syllabus and a course outline, portraying the syllabus as a static guideline based on subject standards, while the course outline is dynamic, contextual, and reflects the instructor's approach. It highlights the importance of learning outcomes as central to course success and discusses various approaches to course design, emphasizing the need for alignment between learning outcomes, content, and assessment methods. Additionally, it identifies common problems in course design, including incoherence and misalignment between course components.

1. Anup K. Singh, Ph.D.

2. What Is a Syllabus?
 Syllabus is a guideline for the instruction of a subject.
It is based on subject standards.

3. Course Outline
 Course outline is a blueprint for the implementation
of a subject/course. It is a bridge between the
instructor and students. It covers the overview of a
subject, specific contents, pedagogies and assessment
methods.

4. Relationship between the Two
 Two dominant views:
 There is no difference between the two
 They must be differentiated as they differ conceptually
and procedurally (I subscribe to this approach)

5. Comparison of Syllabus and Course Outline
Syllabus Course Outline
 It is a guideline
 It is universal
 It is about proposed
contents
 It is static
 It is constant for all
instructors
 It is a determiner of course
outline
 It is specific by nature
 It is both universal and
contextual
 It is about contents,
pedagogy and assessment
 It is dynamic
 It is a creative outcome of
an instructor/area thinking
 It is affected by several
factors besides syllabus

6. Role of Learning Outcomes
 Learning outcomes are the fulcrum of any course.
Everything in a course revolves around them.
 Success of a course hinges on the achievement of
learning outcomes.
 Learning outcomes of a course have to relate with the
learning outcomes of a programme.
 Learning outcomes at Jaipuria are developed , using
RBT.

7. Learning
Outcomes
Contents and
Pedagogy
Assessment
Student
Profile &
Feedback
Faculty
Discussion
Syllabus
Industry
Needs
Resources
and
Time
Drivers and Consequences of Learning Outcomes

8. Approaches to Course Design
 Use a theoretical framework
 Divide a course into modules on thematic basis
 Content driven design
 Less knowledge, more thinking based design
 Hybrid approach

9. Typical Problems with Course Design
 Lack of alignment among learning outcomes,
contents and assessment
 Incoherent and scattered contents
 Highly information driven course
 Poor overview of the course
 Mismatch between coverage and instructional
methods
 Disconnect between learning outcomes and
assessment
 Course outline inconsistent with course design policy