For every course taught there will be a Master Syllabus posted on the Web. These are to be developed by the various departments and approved by the relevant Dean. Each Master Syllabus must contain the following components, with any additions deemed appropriate by each Department. Items marked with an asterisk and coded in gold are additional customizable options of the individual instructor Class Syllabus components.
1. Course Description - Use the description from the College catalog. Departments may choose to add to the description. However, since the catalog constitutes a contract with the student, course descriptions listed in the syllabus should not alter the catalog description in a way that substantially changes the course.
2. SCANS Competencies - Include all SCANS competencies (if applicable to the course) along with some explanation of their connection to the course.
3. Instructional Methodology -
a. Departments may have a common scheme for this OR
*b. Instructional Methods selected entirely to the instructor
4. Course Rationale - A statement by the department, if applicable, of the purpose of the course and what it is intended to accomplish. A description of the course and its connection to broader educational goals, subsequent courses, majors, etc. may be stated here.
5. Common Course Objectives/Outcomes -
a. Objectives/Outcomes established by the discipline : WECM Manual (if applicable) or The Higher Education Coordinating Board Core Curriculum Components.
*b. Objectives/Outcomes established by the instructor for that particular class
6. Grading System -
a. Include any department-specific policies regarding grading
*b. Instructors should explain to students how they are to be graded in the class
7. Course/Class Policies
a. Include any departmental policies on attendance, withdrawals, incomplete, student discipline and freedom of expression, etc.
Procedures regarding students with disabilities must also be included here.
The following statement on students with disabilities must also be included: "Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester" (http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/).
Procedures regarding scholastic dishonesty must also be included here.
The following statement on scholastic dishonesty must be included: "Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework" (http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/). Specify the penalty that will be assessed for violation of the policy. If there is no departmental policy, each instructor must adopt one.
*b. In the absence of departmental policies, instructors must include their policies on the above-mentioned items.
The following is suggested wording for a statement on student freedom of expression: "Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions."
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