How to Read a Syllabus

The first week of class is a good time to read through the syllabus and figure out what the instructor expects to accomplish in the class. Don't just stuff the syllabus in your book or notebook and forget or worse yet, throw it away. The syllabus holds all kinds of valuable information, if you simply read it carefully and know what to look for.

Course objectives

Start by looking at the class objectives. If these say something about learning research skills, check the assignment list for term papers or research papers. Objectives that talk about individualized plans may mean that the course includes a case study or simulation. And when the professor talks about cooperative learning, you can bet that means you'll be divided up into groups and given some sort of group project.

Assignments

Look through the assignments list and make note of any larger projects that you can be working on ahead of time. While you can't necessarily work ahead on homework or group projects, starting early on a term paper or research project is a very good idea. Using whatever calendar system works best for you, whether it's a daily planner or Google calendar, make note of both the day the assignments are due and a deadline for you to get started with the project. Sometimes instructors underestimate how much time you'll need for a project or assume their class is the only one that matters. Make note in your calendar of when you need to start the project and send yourself a reminder to make sure you have the instructions before then.

Attendance Policy

There's nothing worse than working hard all semester, acing the tests and the research project, just to find out that your grade is going to suffer because of the week you missed with the 'flu. Read through the syllabus carefully to find out if your instructor has a stated policy regarding class attendance and what you need to do if you are ill and miss an assignment, quiz or test. If you find yourself in jeopardy because of the instructor's attendance policy, be proactive. Talk to your professor about you absences and the reasons for them. Find out if there is extra credit available or other ways to preserve your grade, like taking an incomplete.

Instructor Availability

Another important piece of information in your syllabus is your instructor's office hours and office location. Usually, the syllabus includes the professor's phone number, or at least their office number, and an email address for contacting them. This information can be very vital when you are in the middle of writing up your case study and can't remember what format the professor prefers, knowing how to contact the professor is vital. You may also need this information to verify the topic for your term paper or call if you have an emergency.