Begin the syllabus with course and contact information. This information is vital to the students and they should be able to easily access the information. Include the course title, number, semester, and meeting times. Also include your office location, office hours, email address, contact preference, and any other method of contact you wish to include.
Anticipate common questions from your students in your syllabus by including all required materials for the course throughout the entire semester. Be sure to include textbooks and any other materials that are required.
Include the catalog course description from your university's course catalog. You should also include an extended description so that your students know what your expectations are for the course.
Explain to the students the value of your course by including an official "Purpose" statement. This statement should clearly state why your students should take the course and what, if any, future implications the course may have on the student.
List out course objectives. Choose 3 to 5 important course objectives and begin using an actionable verb. For example, "Demonstrate proficiency in HTML and web design standards" is a good course objective. When writing course objectives, make sure that you can measure each objective.
Outline course policies and procedures in the syllabus. Make sure that these are clearly stated so that there is no room for interpretation at the end of the semester.
Clearly define the grading policy in a separate section. This is a reference that students are likely to go back to throughout the semester.
Provide short descriptions of all major projects and assignments. This provides students with the expectations for assignments in writing.
Include a course schedule that outlines every class period throughout the semester. You should include information about what will be covered in class, what homework is due, and any major assignments or exams.
Be sure to include a disability statement. Your university should have a standard statement about accommodating students with disabilities or other special needs. Make sure that this is included in writing in the syllabus.