Syllabus Information

Basic Syllabus Information: A course syllabus is an essential document in the presentation of a course of instruction. The syllabus presents to students the goals, objectives, and direction an instructor plans to present a particular course.

The development of a course syllabus is a multi-step process. Some essential activities in this multi-step process are identifying course goals; establish a clear path to present course material; determine the best teaching methods, such as lectures, group activities, case studies, and student presentations; develop a course evaluation plan, such as types and frequency of exams, research paper, participation; and develop criteria and consequences for missed exams and course work. Consequently, an effective course syllabus informs students in the course of the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and HOW through accurately written course objectives, outlined reading and written assignments with respective due dates, specific research requirements and potential resources, and a defined evaluation plan with specific criteria and standards. A quality course syllabus requires considerable work initially, however, once completed subsequent syllabi are less time consuming.

For all Wayland Baptist University course syllabi must contain the following minimum information:

1. Instructor's Name

2. Office Hours Available

3. Contact Telephone Number and E-mail address

4. Academic Catalog Course Description

5. Course Prerequisites

6. Required Resource Material

7. Course Outline

8. Course Requirements

9. Course Outcome Competencies (course objectives)

10. Means for assessing student achievement of the outcome competencies

11. Attendance Requirements (found in Academic Catalog)

12. The following Statements:

(a) Notice to Students Experiencing Disabilities: It is the University’s policy that no otherwise qualified person experiencing disabilities be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in this University. If a student has an impairment that would require additional accommodations by the instructor and/or the University, then please inform the instructor, or Center Director, beginning of the first class session.

(b) Statement to Students to retain course research papers: WBU degree seeking students are strongly encouraged to retain copies of all research papers. To graduate from WBU, students must complete the senior Exit Seminar course, GRAD 4101. The Exit Seminar is designed to capstone an adult learner’s discipline knowledge through the completion of a discipline portfolio or the completion of an approved research project. The research papers retained from previous courses, particularly courses within the discipline, will aid the adult learner in completing the GRAD 4101 course.