Home >SACS Reaffirmation > Faculty Credentials > Syllabus Requirements
Syllabus Requirements
Current best practices for constructing a syllabus require that the syllabus contain much more than contact information, a list of assignments, and the course schedule (for a list of what every syllabus should contain, click here). A good syllabus also lists the student learning outcomes addressed in the course. Stating the outcomes can help students understand why they are taking the course and what they should be getting out of it. Stating the outcomes can also help faculty members become more aware of how their courses fit into the core and/or the major and articulate more clearly for the students why certain assignments or readings are being given.
Outcomes can be written verbatim into the syllabus but should be connected to specific course assignments or activities. For example:
This course addresses the following VSU General Education Outcomes:
4. Students will express themselves clearly, logically. and precisely in writing and in speaking, and they will demonstrate competence in reading and listening. In this course, you will be writing two essays and completing two essay exams; you will be speaking in class discussions and giving an oral report on a topic drawn from our reading of folk tales; you will be keeping a journal of your responses to the readings assigned.
Faculty members may also write their own learning outcomes for the class, including specifics from the subject matter and assignments, but should also then provide the corresponding outcomes number parenthetically so that the connection between the course outcomes and the core/department outcomes is clear. For example:
The course develops further several of the objectives of the VSU core curriculum and of the English major. Specifically, students in this course will:
· read and interpret a variety of primary and secondary texts concerned with early British literature and culture (VSU General Education Outcome 6, 7; English Major Outcomes 1, 4);
· develop their skills in literary research through preparing class presentations and undertaking a research project (VSU General Education Outcomes 3, 4, 7; English Major Outcomes 2, 3);
· gain further exposure to the resources available via the Internet for the study of literature (VSU General Education Outcome 3, 7; English Major Outcome 3);
· develop their oral communication skills through small group and class discussions as well as through class presentations (VSU General Education Outcome 4; English Major Outcomes 2, 4);
· build on the knowledge gained of cultural perspectives and knowledge of other societies from ENGL 2110/2120/2130 and use the analytic, writing, and research skills learned in ENGL 2060 (VSU General Education Outcome 2, 4, 7; English Major Outcomes 1, 2, 4).
Helpful Links
Creating Syllabi (from the Academic Affairs website, a clear list of what every syllabus should contain)
VSU General Education Outcomes by Department (a list of courses by department showing the General Education outcomes covered in each)
General Education Outcomes Matrix / VSU's 8 Gen Ed Outcomes (lists the outcomes and includes a matirx showing the General Education outcomes appropriate to every course offered in VSU's core)
The Undergraduate Catalog (to find the student learning outcomes for each discipline/degree program)
The Graduate Catalog (to find the student learning outcomes for each graduate degree program)
How to convert your syllabus to a PDF document
Uploading the syllabus to your Faculty Credentials Page
If you would like more assistance or would like to suggest other links to helpful information on this website, please contact us.