Developing The Learner-Centered Syllabus

Developing the Syllabus:

It Sets the Tone for Learning 

The Learner-Centered Syllabus (LCS) is designed to invite students on a learning journey with you for the semester. It includes what is often termed “warm and friendly language,” as such language has been shown to have positive effects on both the instructor and the student.

(for research on the topic see IDEA Paper #60, “Constructing a Learner-Centered Syllabus: One Professor’s Journey” )

• SHSU Syllabus Guidelines

  SHSU Syllabus Guidelines (from SHSU Faculty Handbook, pp 17)

  April 2023 Faculty Handbook.pdf (shsu.edu)

  The following information is to be included on all syllabi. Colleges may opt to require additional information.

                  Course Identification

                                  Course Name

                                  Course Number

                                  Credit Hours

                                  Semester and Year

                                  Department

                                  Class Location

                  Instructor Information

                                  Name

                                  Contact Information

                                  Availability

                  Course Information

                                  Course Description (i.e. 400-level class for graduate credit, independent study)

                                  Learning Outcomes

                                  Required and Optional Text and Other Resources

                                  Attendance Policy

                                  Grading Policy

                                  Make-up Policy

                                  Student-provided Technological Devices Policy

                                  Tentative Course Outline

                  Required Policies

                                  Faculty may opt to link to www.shsu.edu/syllabus

                                  Academic Dishonesty

                                  Americans with Disabilities Act

                                  Absences for Religious Holy Days

                                  Visitors in the Classroom

  An ACE Course & Syllabus Info:  https://www.shsu.edu/academics/cce/ace/ace-for-faculty/course-resources.html

• Examples at SHSU

  Dr. Paul Child, III

  Evil in Literature                               English 2332.01

  https://samweb.shsu.edu/faci10wp/fetch.php?doc_type=syllabus&file=2020/Spring_2020_22721.pdf

  Early English Masterworks           English 3384.01

  https://samweb.shsu.edu/faci10wp/fetch.php?doc_type=syllabus&file=2020/Spring_2020_23733.pdf

  Dr. Todd Primm

  Immunology                                       Biology 4350

  https://samweb.shsu.edu/faci10wp/fetch.php?doc_type=syllabus&file=2020/Spring_2020_23383.pdf

  Dr. Fatih Demiroz

  Public Management                                       Public Administration 5389

  https://samweb.shsu.edu/faci10wp/fetch.php?doc_type=syllabus&file=2022/Spring_2022_21553.pdf

  Public Administration                                       Political Science 3366

  https://samweb.shsu.edu/faci10wp/fetch.php?doc_type=syllabus&file=2021/Fall_2021_80974.pdf

• Comparison: Teacher-Centered vs. Learner-Centered

  Richmond, A. S. (2016). Constructing a learner-centered syllabus: One professor’s journey. IDEA Paper #60

  

  
  

• Other Resources

  Rochester Institute of Technology

  https://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/tls/course-design/syllabus-design/syllabus-design-info