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CTL Syllabus Template

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A course syllabus, like all course resources, should be designed to optimize student learning.

Instructors can do that by ensuring their syllabus:

  • Makes explicit course expectations and logistics

  • starts building an inclusive learning environment

  • gets students engaged and excited to learn.

Getting the course syllabus template

Open the syllabus template in Google Drive

The template document contains the main components that we recommend for a syllabus. For each component, you’ll also find guidance to consider, as well as sample text that you are welcome to adapt for use in your own syllabus.

Working with the course syllabus template

  1. Open the syllabus template document in Google Drive. Make your own copy of the document by selecting File > Make a copy.
  2. Begin with the Essential Sections and add other sections as suits the needs of your course. You can choose where to insert optional sections.
  3. Sample language: Rewrite these passages in the default style in your own voice, and use your own words to adapt the text to your course needs.
  4. Comments: Text with a gray background is commentary and suggestions to consider as you draft your syllabus. Delete it after you have made your choices.
  5. Text in blue boxes with the information icon ℹ️ contains references and links to follow up on discussions. Deleteit after reviewing.
  6. Final steps:
  • Delete the first two pages of the document: instructions and table of contents.
  • Delete the Additional Resources section at the end of the document.

Note for instructors in the professional schools

The template is most relevant to instructors in the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Doerr School of Sustainability. The professional schools (GSE, GSB, SLS, and SoM) might operate according to different procedures, policies, and timelines. GSE instructors may want to consult GSE’s resource: How to Deploy a Launchpad to Centralize Course Materials.