#7 - "The Syllabus as a Professional and Personal Document"

Developing a syllabus is beneficial to both the teacher and the student. In creating a syllabus, it can be a reflective excercise which can encourage the instructor to engage in carefully considering details for the betterment of the class. The syllabus serves as a contract where it makes clear what the rules are. This includes details of the course calendar, grading policies, attendance policies, late assignment policy, academic dishonesty and accommodation of disabilities policy. A syllabus is also considered as a permanent record that serves accountability and documentation functions. Another purpose a syllabus serves is as a learning tool which helps students become more effective learners in the course. Therefore a syllabus can be considered both as a professional and  a personal document.