What is a syllabus?And why should I care?

See also: http://gradschool.about.com/od/survivinggraduateschool/a/syllabus.htm

What is a syllabus?

• It is a document with important messages from your professor and the university.• It is a list of information about your class.• It is a calendar of assignments.

Why should I care?

• It can help you plan your life.• The syllabus is a contract that everyone

must follow.

The main reason you should care:The syllabus tells you how to succeed.

What is in a syllabus?Course Information

List of Materials and Books

Policies

Calendar of Study

List of Assignments / Grading Formula

Basic Information

• Contact Information The professor’s office location, office hours, phone number, and e-mail address.

• Information about the CourseCourse name, number, meeting times, number of credits

List of Materials and Books

• Required Readings Textbook, supplemental books, and articles are listed.

Policies

•Class Policies

•University Policies

Grading Formula

• Categories of assigned work for the semester

• How much assignments are worth

• How your grade is calculated

Calendar of Study

Course Schedule • Study schedule•Due dates for assignments

What can I do with my syllabus?

• Where to keep it• How to use it

Where to keep your syllabus

In your notebook

On your computerOn your smart phone

What to do with your syllabus

Use a planner to schedule your work.

What to do with your syllabus

Use Excel to calculate your grades.