The Course Syllabus: A Learning-Centered Approach - Softcover

Grunert O'Brien, Judith; Millis, Barbara J.; Cohen, Margaret W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470197617 ISBN 13: 9780470197615

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2008

Synopsis

When it was first published in 1997, The Course Syllabus became the gold standard reference for both new and experienced college faculty. Like the first edition, this book is based on a learner-centered approach. Because faculty members are now deeply committed to engaging students in learning, the syllabus has evolved into a useful, if lengthy, document. Today's syllabus provides details about course objectives, requirements and expectations, and also includes information about teaching philosophies, specific activities and the rationale for their use, and tools essential to student success.

About this title

About the Author

The Authors

Judith Grunert O'Brien has retired from her work at Syracuse University to focus on sculpture, drawing, and writing. She was a member of the School of Art faculty, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University, when she wrote the first edition of a Learning-Centered Syllabus in 1997.

Barbara J. Millis is director of the Excellence in Teaching Program at the University of Nevada-Reno.

Margaret W. Cohen is director and associate provost for professional development at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

From the Back Cover

The Course Syllabus

SECOND EDITION

Creating a well-crafted syllabus is the first step in helping students understand the goals of a course, their responsibilities, and the criteria that will be used to evaluate their performance.

When it was first published in 1997, The Course Syllabus became the gold standard reference for both new and experienced college faculty. Like the first edition, this book is based on a learner-centered approach. Because faculty members are now deeply committed to engaging students in learning, the syllabus has evolved into a useful, if lengthy, document. Today's syllabus provides details about course objectives, requirements and expectations, and also includes information about teaching philosophies, specific activities and the rationale for their use, and tools essential to student success.

This new and thoroughly revised edition places the syllabus within the context of (1) today's students, including "millennials" and nontraditionals; (2) current and emerging campus technologies which offer, among other innovations, course management systems for online and hybrid delivery; and (3) contemporary faculty goals to nurture lifelong learners, teach students how to learn, assess learning outcomes, and prepare students for a changing workplace. In addition, The Course Syllabus includes:

• Updated research literature on faculty development and higher education
• A revised resource list and bibliography
• A new selection of syllabus excerpts from campuses across the nation representing a range of disciplines from a variety of institutions

The book's examples illustrate topics faculty are including in learning-centered syllabi such as civility, academic honesty, safety, and tools to support successful learning.

"I can't imagine a book more deserving of a second edition. And, I can't imagine a second edition better than the first, but this one is, thanks to the able efforts of the two new authors."
--Maryellen Weimer, professor emeritus, Penn State and editor, The Teaching Professor

From the Inside Flap

The Course Syllabus

SECOND EDITION

Creating a well-crafted syllabus is the first step in helping students understand the goals of a course, their responsibilities, and the criteria that will be used to evaluate their performance.

When it was first published in 1997, The Course Syllabus became the gold standard reference for both new and experienced college faculty. Like the first edition, this book is based on a learner-centered approach. Because faculty members are now deeply committed to engaging students in learning, the syllabus has evolved into a useful, if lengthy, document. Today's syllabus provides details about course objectives, requirements and expectations, and also includes information about teaching philosophies, specific activities and the rationale for their use, and tools essential to student success.

This new and thoroughly revised edition places the syllabus within the context of (1) today's students, including "millennials" and nontraditionals; (2) current and emerging campus technologies which offer, among other innovations, course management systems for online and hybrid delivery; and (3) contemporary faculty goals to nurture lifelong learners, teach students how to learn, assess learning outcomes, and prepare students for a changing workplace. In addition, The Course Syllabus includes:

• Updated research literature on faculty development and higher education
• A revised resource list and bibliography
• A new selection of syllabus excerpts from campuses across the nation representing a range of disciplines from a variety of institutions

The book's examples illustrate topics faculty are including in learning-centered syllabi such as civility, academic honesty, safety, and tools to support successful learning.

"I can't imagine a book more deserving of a second edition. And, I can't imagine a second edition better than the first, but this one is, thanks to the able efforts of the two new authors."
—Maryellen Weimer, professor emeritus, Penn State and editor, The Teaching Professor

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0470197617
• ISBN 13: 9780470197615
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 160