[Course number]: [Course title]
Syllabus · [Term] · [Institution]
How to use this template
Write to the student, in the second person, and keep each policy to what it means for them. Where your institution requires a statement (academic integrity, accessibility, Title IX), paste its wording exactly, with a link. Post the syllabus where students will find it all term, and walk through it in the first class: the key dates and the grading table are what they'll come back to.
Before you post it:
Every required institutional statement is in, word for word, with its link
Dates match the academic calendar, including holidays and the final exam slot
The weights add up to 100%, and the schedule's due dates match the grading table
Every link opens, and prices are this term's
Headings are in order and tables have header rows, so a screen reader can follow it
Key dates
First class:
Last day to add or drop:
Last day to withdraw:
Midterm:
Final exam:
No class:
Welcome
A few sentences from you: why this course matters, and what to expect from you.
Course information
Course | |
Credits | |
Meetings | |
Room or link | |
Format | |
Prerequisites | |
Course site | |
Weekly workload |
Instructor
Name | |
Call me | |
Office hours | |
Teaching assistant |
I reply to email within [one business day]. Put [course number] in the subject line.
What this course is about
In plain words: what it covers, and the question it keeps coming back to.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Materials and costs
Item | Required? | Approx. cost | Where to get it |
Assignments and grading
Assignment | Weight | Due |
Total | 100% |
Grading scale
Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
A | 93–100 | C+ | 77–79 |
A− | 90–92 | C | 73–76 |
B+ | 87–89 | C− | 70–72 |
B | 83–86 | D | 60–69 |
B− | 80–82 | F | Below 60 |
Use your department's scale if it has one, and say whether you round.
Course policies
Attendance | |
Late work | |
Missed exams | |
Regrades | |
Devices and recording | |
Syllabus changes |
Academic integrity
Your institution's statement, word for word, then what collaboration is allowed here.
Generative AI
Not allowed, allowed for named tasks, or allowed with disclosure.
See example policies
Late work: You have two 48-hour extensions to use on any written assignment, no explanation needed; email me before the deadline. After that, late work loses 10% a day for up to three days.
Regrades: Ask in writing within one week of getting the grade back. Say which part you think was misgraded, and why.
Syllabus changes: I will announce any change in class and on the course site at least a week ahead. A change will never move a due date earlier or add a required cost.
AI, not allowed: Everything you submit must be your own work, written without AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. Using one counts as unauthorized help under the integrity policy.
AI, allowed for named tasks: You may use AI tools to brainstorm topics, find sources to check, and fix grammar. You may not submit text, code or images a tool generated as your own.
AI, allowed with disclosure: You may use AI tools on any assignment. End each one with a short note naming the tool, what you asked it, and what you kept or changed. You are responsible for everything you submit, including sources a tool gave you.
Accessibility and support
Accommodations | |
Tutoring and writing | |
Health and counseling | |
Basic needs | |
Other statements |
Schedule
Do the reading before the class it is listed under. Work is due at [11:59 p.m.] unless the row says otherwise.
Week | Dates | Topic | Before class | Due |
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
3 | ||||
4 | ||||
Finals |