Anatomy of a {Syllabus}

Your syllabus is the most vital document you will receive all semester. It is a contact sheet, schedule, guide, course preview and contract. In order to have a successful semester, you have to understand the anatomy of your syllabus! Below, we've broken the syllabus down into it's key parts with some helpful tips.

1. Instructor Name & Contact Information: It is extremely important that you know your professor's name, office location and office hours. How can you ask for help from someone you can't name or locate?

2. Course Description: This brief introduction of the course outlines the scope, purpose and relevance of material. The description offers a foundation for understanding how the professor is approaching the class topics and how he or she will conduct the class.

3. Required Materials: Your syllabus will include citations for required texts including auther, title and publisher. Addtional materials may also be required such as notecards, course packets or lab equipment.

4. Assignment & Test Descriptions: Assignments and test descriptions are important because they explain what each requires and how you can complete them successfully. They answer questions like: What will my test cover? What types of questions might it include? How many pages should my paper be? What format? How many sources do I include? Do I need to prepare a presentation for my project? Should I include handouts for my peers? Understanding the information in this section is the first step to completing graded material well.

5. Grading Policy: Most syllabi contain some description of the grading policy, whether it be a points or percentage system. Understanding which your professor uses will help you figure out your standing in the class at any given moment. Calculating your grade throught the semester will be a valuable indicator to how you have been doing and what more more needs to be done to ensure a good grade.

6. Attendance Policy: All professors expect you to be in class, but they will vary in terms of reprimanding you for absences. Not understanding the attendance policy can be the easiest way to lose points in a course. You will find that many professors will take away points for missing sessions and these deductions can add up over the semester. Be sure to understand the policy before it's too late!

7. Course Calendar: The course calendar outlines exaclty when assignments are due and when readings should be completed. If you want to avoid a chaotic semester, it is crucial to review the course calendar and transfer the information into the planner or schedule you will look at on a regular basis. Professors won't likely give you daily reminders about assingments, tests and readings so take responsibility and know this section.

Before asking you instructors about expectations, policies or responsiblities, consult your syllabus!