The document discusses the key components and purposes of developing an effective course syllabus. A syllabus should provide students with general information about course objectives, requirements, policies, and structure. It serves as a contract between the instructor and students and helps students understand expectations. The document outlines specific elements that are important to include, such as contact information, learning objectives, evaluation methods, grading scale, schedule, and academic policies. An effective syllabus presents information in a clear, organized manner to guide students.

1. Syllabus Development

2. Syllabus
 A tangible guide or blueprint to the
educational experience
 Arranged from general to specific
 Institution objectives
 Program objectives
 Course objectives
 Unit objectives

3. Uses of Syllabi in Higher
Education
 Syllabi are public descriptions of courses
 Often are used in grievance and judicial
hearings
 Used routinely to determine course
equivalency in transfer situations
 Forms a contract between the student and
the university (Bers, Davis and Taylor, 1996)

4. Uses of Syllabi (Continued)
 Review of syllabi can be a means to evaluate
curriculum over time
 Serves an organizational role in course
development
 Makes clear the responsibilities of the faculty
and students
 Provides security for students in knowing the
expectations of a particular course
(McKeachie, 2006)

5. Course Description
 An expanded version of the course
description than in the college catalogue.
 Also includes:
1. Course title
2. Prefix and number
3. Credit hours
4. Course description
5. Prerequisites/Co-requisites
6. Course purposes

6. Necessary Contents of a
Nursing Course Syllabus
 Contact information for the faculty
1. Instructor’s name
2. Office hours
3. Office location
4. Work and/or home telephone numbers
5. E-mail
6. Classroom location

7. General Program Objectives
 These objectives delineate the overall
expected learning objectives of the
program.

8. Program Objectives
Identification
 Program objectives met in a course can be
depicted at the end of the course objectives
by Roman Numerals. For example:
 Objectives:
1. Apply knowledge from nursing and related
disciplines to professional nursing practice in
all levels of prevention. (I, VIII). In this
example, I and VIII are Program
Objectives.

9. Course Objectives
 The list of course objectives may begin
with: “Upon completion of this
course, the students should be
able to…”

10. Methods for Accomplishing
the Course Objectives
 Weekly readings
 Specific projects with due dates
 Papers with due dates

11. Teaching/Learning Strategies
 Include strategies to facilitate learning
 Online instruction
 Discussion boards
 E-mail
 Lectures
 Group projects
 Small group discussion or collaboration
 Sites on the World Wide Web
 Simulation

12. Methods of Evaluation
 This section may include deliverables
for the class: projects, tests, and
expected class participation.
 Should correlate to the learning
objectives

13. Grading
 Includes the grading scale
 Provides criteria for each learning
assessment
 Specifies overall criteria for assigning a
course grade including percentages for
course assignments and tests

14. Textbook or Software
Required
 Specifies the required textbooks and
software packages student must
purchase

15. Attendance Policy
 If the course faculty require attendance this is
stated in the syllabus. Consequences of
absences must also be included.
 e.g. Students are expected to attend all
classes. A student’s grade will be decreased
by one percentage point for every unexcused
absence after one absence.

16. Disability Services
 Provide list of services available
 Include contact information

17. Academic Integrity
 Definitions of plagiarism
 Using another student’s work
 Define cheating

18. Student Support Services
 Library services
 Learning resource center
 Tutoring
 Open laboratory hours
 Computer lab hours
 Online resources and services
(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/required.html)

19. Course Outline Specifications
 Topical outline of course content

20. Course Calendar
 Dates the class meets
 Due dates for assignments
 Dates for tests
 Topics or content areas
(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/required.html)

21. Assignment Topics
 The instructor’s wording of assignment
topics can “convey excitement and
stimulate curiosity”.
 McKeachie, W. J. & Svinicki, M. (2006). Teaching tips:
Strategies, research, and theory for college and university
teachers. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

22. Presentation
 Positive and professional tone
 Easy to read
 Thoughtful organization
 Visually appealing
(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/required.html)