Writing a syllabus
A syllabus can be seen as a road map to monitor and assess the teaching and learning process. In the RUCAS project, a syllabus is also perceived as a “learning contract” between the instructor and the students that sets the basic rules and committments regarding the course goals, objectives, expected outcomes, methods, topics, activities, assessment tools, and so forth. It also serves as a planning tool for structuring the course modules, course implementation and assessment. A RUCAS syllabus template was developed and guidelines were issued for formulating all the syllabus components. Many universities have a general policy concerning the course syllabus and it is important to ascertain what that policy is prior to developing your course syllabus. Additionally, some departments may have specific guidelines they expect you to follow in the creation of course outlines.