Expanded Course Description

Provide a brief overview (limit to 250 words) of the course and the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities you intend for students to learn or develop. You might also use this space to welcome your students or share your interest in the discipline.

Share the primary form of instruction (lecture, seminar or other small-group format, lab, studio, or tutorial), as well as any additional required participation (e.g. discussion sections, field trips, film screenings, etc.).

Specify the delineation of synchronous versus asynchronous course components, as applicable.

If admittance to your course is by preference selection, or if you intend to limit enrollment, provide students with instructions on how to apply or obtain instructor permission. Also include any relevant deadlines and how students will be notified of admission.

Students may find it helpful to refer to the University Registrar Office website.

Share course prerequisites or related requirements, if any.

Describe / identify the required readings, computer software, and course materials and their cost estimates (if applicable).

Consider providing advice on cost-effective means of obtaining course materials, such as through the Yale Library or other open-source materials.

Describe the principal formative and summative course assignments (e.g., homework exercises, problem sets, exams, papers).

Please indicate the end-of-term assessment, and include a provisional breakdown of how each assessment will factor into the overall grade.

Instructors are encouraged to share their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their teaching and facilitation of the classroom community.

Check out the Poorvu Center’s resources on writing Diversity Statements for a syllabus.

Instructors are encouraged to share how they provide equitable academic experiences for all students—including students with disabilities—through their course materials, technology selections, and teaching approaches.

Check out the Poorvu Center’s resources on writing Accessibility Statements for a syllabus.

Instructors are encouraged to share how they define academic integrity for their course—tailored to their course assignments and what constitutes appropriate collaboration outside of class.

Check out the Poorvu Center’s resources on writing Academic Integrity Statements for a syllabus.

Instructors are encouraged to include a brief welcome video to introduce students to their course.

Check out the Poorvu Center’s resources on creating your own Course Introduction video. A more detailed resource on creating Course Introduction videos can also be found on the Course Welcome Videos support article.

If available, provide a link to your full syllabus document here.

Instructors may find helpful guidance on writing a syllabus in the Poorvu Center Syllabus Writing Guide, including a Yale Syllabus template to act as a starting point, and in the Posting Your Syllabus in Canvas support article.