Syllabus

About Syllabi

Introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. This course teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web programming. Constructing a syllabus can be a complicated, time-consuming endeavor. For convenience, the Center for Teaching and Learning has put together a sample syllabus template for use and adaptation. This template was last revised in 2020 to include recommended language related to University policies and resources for students.

A syllabus is your guide to a course and what will be expected of you in the course. Generally it will include course policies, rules and regulations, required texts, and a schedule of assignments. A syllabus can tell you nearly everything you need to know about how a course will be run and what will be expected of you.

Where can I find syllabi?

Check the Syllabus archive. You can search by quarter and by department--if looking for previous syllabi, you can use ExploreCourses to see when the course was last taught.

ExploreCourses (not SimpleEnroll) has links to syllabi for many courses. Click on the blue Schedule link to see if there are Additional Resources for that course.

In addition, some courses have course websites that act as a syllabus, particularly the introductory courses in Math and CS. You can also contact the instructor and/or the SSO in an academic department/school to inquire about the availability of a syllabus, or ask to see a previous syllabus.

Heads-up! Syllabi are always subject to change, especially if a different instructor is teaching a course. However, even looking at last year's syllabus can give you valuable information as you are evaluating a course.

How to Read a Syllabus

Syllabus template

A syllabus is a very valuable tool, underused by many students. All professors will write and use their syllabi differently. Sometimes syllabus information may be spread over several links in Canvas, or on a course website. Regardless of the form, here are some items you will want to consider.

Workload

What type of course is this? Problem set and exam-based? Reading and discussion with papers? A variable-unit class with a variable workload should explain the difference in the syllabus.

Deadlines & Policies

When are the exams and major assignments due? Are assignments due in class or electronically by a certain time? Be sure to check all the deadlines for all your courses to see whether you are committing yourself to four midterms in the same week or two problem sets on the same day every week (and reconsider, if you are). What is the late policy?

Continued Guidance

During the quarter, the syllabus continues to guide you. The syllabus reflects the way the class is organized. The titles for each class meeting will often identify the main themes of that class, and may help you focus your reading for that day in order to prepare for class, as well as guide your studying for exams.

First-Year Alert

Syllabus Meaning

In high school, the daily schedule typically listed the homework that you would do after each class. In college, a syllabus generally lists the preparation that you need to do before that day’s class.

SEE ALSO

About Syllabi

Syllabus Of Hppsc

A syllabus is your guide to a course and what will be expected of you in the course. Generally it will include course policies, rules and regulations, required texts, and a schedule of assignments. A syllabus can tell you nearly everything you need to know about how a course will be run and what will be expected of you.

Where can I find syllabi?

Syllabus Uaeh

Check the Syllabus archive. You can search by quarter and by department--if looking for previous syllabi, you can use ExploreCourses to see when the course was last taught.

ExploreCourses (not SimpleEnroll) has links to syllabi for many courses. Click on the blue Schedule link to see if there are Additional Resources for that course.

In addition, some courses have course websites that act as a syllabus, particularly the introductory courses in Math and CS. You can also contact the instructor and/or the SSO in an academic department/school to inquire about the availability of a syllabus, or ask to see a previous syllabus.

Heads-up! Syllabi are always subject to change, especially if a different instructor is teaching a course. However, even looking at last year's syllabus can give you valuable information as you are evaluating a course.

How to Read a Syllabus

A syllabus is a very valuable tool, underused by many students. All professors will write and use their syllabi differently. Sometimes syllabus information may be spread over several links in Canvas, or on a course website. Regardless of the form, here are some items you will want to consider.

Workload

Syllabus Plural

What type of course is this? Problem set and exam-based? Reading and discussion with papers? A variable-unit class with a variable workload should explain the difference in the syllabus.

Deadlines & Policies

When are the exams and major assignments due? Are assignments due in class or electronically by a certain time? Be sure to check all the deadlines for all your courses to see whether you are committing yourself to four midterms in the same week or two problem sets on the same day every week (and reconsider, if you are). What is the late policy?

Syllabus Meaning

Continued Guidance

During the quarter, the syllabus continues to guide you. The syllabus reflects the way the class is organized. The titles for each class meeting will often identify the main themes of that class, and may help you focus your reading for that day in order to prepare for class, as well as guide your studying for exams.

First-Year Alert

In high school, the daily schedule typically listed the homework that you would do after each class. In college, a syllabus generally lists the preparation that you need to do before that day’s class.

SEE ALSO