List the books and publications students will need to purchase or rent in one section of the syllabus. Clearly label each book or publication with the title, author, date of publication (especially if multiple versions are in print) and edition (1st, 2nd, etc.), if applicable.
Indicate when reading assignments are due in the section of your syllabus where you outline what happens in your lectures on a class-by-class basis. For example, if you want your students to read the first half of the book "The Color Purple" for your class by September 10, clearly list "September 10" in the timeline.
Place suggested or extra credit readings alongside the required readings or in a section by themselves. Once again, make sure you clearly label exactly which text the student should purchase or rent with the author and edition number, and place deadlines or suggested times to read the material alongside them.