Decoding the College Course Syllabus: A Systematic Approach
- Matthew Nelson
- Jul 12, 2024
- 8 min read
The course syllabus is one of the most important documents you will encounter during your college journey. Your ability to decode the syllabus can mean the difference between academic success and failure.
This article will provide a framework for engaging with the syllabus before, during, and after the course. We will highlight the key sections to look out for, provide practical advice on leveraging this document, and help you avoid common pitfalls that trip up many students during the semester.
By embracing the insights provided, you will be better equipped to navigate the expectations and requirements of your courses, ensuring a more organized, strategic, and successful college journey.
Before You Register
A syllabus is a great tool to identify whether a course makes sense to add to your schedule. Here are a few things to look for before registering for a class.
Do you meet the prerequisites/corequisites of the college course?
A prerequisite is a different course you must take before enrolling in the course you are considering. Prerequisites usually exist when specific knowledge required in the course is covered in a lower-level course. For example, mastering single-variable calculus is needed to understand multivariable calculus.
A corequisite is a different course you must take simultaneously with the course you are considering. Often, corequisites feature content that reinforces the learning of a course. A common corequisite is a lab or discussion component tied to a lecture.
Prerequisites and corequisites are usually spelled out in the syllabus and course guide of the department in which the class is being offered.
Does the college course fit into your degree plan?
A degree plan is a document that outlines your approach to completing all of the requirements necessary to graduate with a specific degree/major. This document may also be called a plan of study or a degree audit.
It would be best to meet with your academic advisor to create a personalized degree plan. That plan will identify the classes you must take and the courses you can choose from, also known as electives.
If the course you want to take is a requirement, then there is little to consider. But if the course is an elective, consider your motivation for selecting it. Will it give you more knowledge of a subject or method that aligns with your post-graduation plans? Does it allow you to broaden your perspective beyond your chosen academic discipline?
Usually, the answer to those questions lies in the course overview and course goals.
A course overview describes the intent of the curriculum as constructed. It outlines what the instructor expects you to know by the end of the semester. The course goals - also known as learning objectives - identify specific outcomes by which the instructor will assess your performance. Sometimes, the goals contain language about the classroom dynamic the instructor is trying to create.
Read the course overview and the goals closely to determine whether the course fits into your strategy for completing your degree plan.
Does the college course fit into your schedule?
Course times are usually decided well in advance and published in the university's registration system, but those times are not always correct. In addition, the location and format of the course can sometimes change due to capacity or other planning issues.
Reviewing the syllabus gives you the most up-to-date information on the course's times, format, and location.
Pro tip - Look at the proximity of your classes to each other
Having to trek back and forth across a large college campus can be very time-consuming, so you have to factor commute time into your schedule. Try to schedule concurrent classes in a similar area.
Pro tip - Consider your body's natural rhythm when registering for classes
Not a morning person? Consider scheduling classes later in the day.
Unfortunately, many departments schedule required courses and lower-level courses (e.g., first- and second-year students) early in the morning so that you may have little choice. However, fill in your electives around your required courses so you don't have extraordinarily long or densely packed days.
Remember to leave some time to review your notes immediately after class to reinforce learning.
Do you have access to the required college course materials?
If an instructor requires you to possess certain items not provided, they must list them in the course syllabus. Course materials include books, course packs, equipment, software, clothing, and sometimes money (as a course fee). Some of these items can be costly and are often not included in the cost of your tuition, so pay attention to these requirements.
Pro tip - If you cannot afford/access the course materials, that does not mean you shouldn't consider taking the course
Many colleges and universities offer financial support for these types of items. Ask your academic advisor and fellow students about resources on campus that may help you.
Does the college course format align with your workload?
The grading scheme outlines how the instructor will assign grades for the course. The syllabus usually includes a chart with the types of assignments and the points allocated to each type. This information can help identify the course format.
Does the course weigh team projects very heavily? You may not want to take multiple classes with this format, as project teams are time-consuming. Similarly, look for the exam dates. Having exams for more than one course on the same day is not a good idea.
Are you headed to college in the fall? Check out our Virtual Summer Bridge Experience program. You can access the content on your own time from anywhere with an internet connection. We offer scholarships, giveaways, and other resources.
Before the Course Starts
Now that you have registered for the course, it is time to prepare for the upcoming semester. The syllabus is your roadmap for navigating the course, giving you the directions needed to ensure success. Below are the following steps you should take when reviewing the syllabus.
Use the Highlighting Method
The highlighting method makes difficult-to-read text, such as books and peer-reviewed articles, more accessible to digest. Applying this method to a course syllabus unlocks a higher level of comprehension.
The method involves using different colors to illuminate specific categories of text. You can use actual highlighters on printed copies of your syllabus or a productivity tool like Google Docs or Microsoft Word to digitally highlight the text.
The highlighting method takes this approach:
Identify five colors that will represent different portions of the syllabus. For this article, I will use the colors yellow, green, teal, purple, and red. Feel free to choose whichever colors work for you.
Read through the course description and schedule, highlighting all keywords and phrases in yellow.
Read the schedule and highlight all dates/times and assignments in green.
Identify anything that seems like a requirement or a policy and highlight it in red.
Identify anything that looks like a location (physical or virtual) and highlight it in teal.
Identify anything that looks like contact information (e.g., emails, phone numbers) and highlight it in purple.
Now that your syllabus is marked up finding information should be significantly easier each time you revisit the document. Review the requirements to make sure you have everything you need before the course starts.
Pro Tip - Place all dates in a physical or digital calendar
Note: I have an affiliate marketing partnership with Notion. I receive a commission if any users sign up using the link below. Any similar tool can work, If you decide to use Notion, consider using my link. That way I can keep providing free resources to this awesome community. - Matt
I strongly recommend using software like Google Calendar, Notion, or Todoist. Set alerts for assignments one week before the due date and a few weeks in advance for large projects and exams.
Pro Tip: Include all keywords and phrases in a document (Word, Google Docs, Microsoft OneNote, etc.)
Every time you attend class or study, enter your notes under the appropriate section. This document will form the basis of your study guide for exams. Thank me later.
Pro Tip - Familiarize yourself with the course location before the semester starts
If participating in an in-person course, visit the exact location of the classroom or use a tool like Google/Apple Maps to get a sense of where the building is. Most institutions have a virtual building map online. Be sure to figure out where the classroom is before the first day of class.
If the course is delivered virtually, ensure you have installed all required technology and configured your computer settings correctly.
Create a Semester Plan
A semester plan is a master schedule encompassing all the assignments, exams, and deadlines you must meet over the semester. To create a comprehensive semester plan, follow these steps:
Complete the highlighting method for each course.
Add all due dates in a physical calendar/planner or digital calendar, using a different color for each course to easily distinguish between them.
Break down more significant assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and record them in your semester plan.
Highlight the busiest weeks of the semester and the most significant assignments for each course.
Display your semester plan in a prominent location where you can refer to it frequently.
During the Course
Referencing the syllabus during the course will help you stay on track with the pace. To stay organized, perform the following tasks.
Regularly Update Your Calendar
As the semester progresses, it is essential to keep your calendar updated with any new deadlines or assignments. Make it a habit to review your course materials and update your calendar accordingly. This practice will help you avoid any last-minute surprises.
Check Deadlines
Regularly checking your course syllabus for upcoming deadlines is crucial to staying on track. Doing so lets you prioritize your tasks and allocate your time effectively. Remember to cross off completed assignments from your semester plan, as this will give you a sense of accomplishment and serve as a visual reminder of your progress.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing your course syllabus as a guide, you can stay organized, manage your time efficiently, and set yourself up for academic success throughout the semester.
After the Course
The course syllabus is a great way to capture what you've learned throughout your academic journey. Use this information to increase your brand. Add this newly learned knowledge to your resume and LinkedIn page. Write a blog post discussing what you've learned and how you might apply it in your future career. Look for other classes or resources that further advance your knowledge.
Avoiding Pitfalls
While navigating your course syllabus, it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your academic success. By being aware of these potential missteps, you can stay on track and maximize your learning experience.
Overlooking Important Details
Failing to read and understand their syllabus thoroughly is a common mistake. Skimming through the document or only focusing on specific sections can lead to missing critical information, such as assignment deadlines, grading policies, and course expectations.
Take the time to follow the highlighting method outlined above.
Not Using Provided Resources
Your syllabus is a valuable resource that provides a wealth of information to support your learning journey. Neglecting to utilize the resources outlined in your syllabus, such as recommended study guides or online materials, can put you at a disadvantage.
Make a habit of referring to your syllabus regularly and taking advantage of the resources your professor has carefully curated to enhance your understanding of the subject matter.
Ignoring Policy Sections
Overlooking the policy sections of your syllabus can lead to unintended consequences. These sections typically outline essential guidelines for attendance, late assignments, academic integrity, and classroom conduct.
Non-adherence to these policies can result in grade penalties, missed opportunities for learning, or even disciplinary action. Please familiarize yourself with these policies early on and commit to following them throughout the semester.
Conclusion
Decoding the course syllabus can prevent you from taking courses that do not fit your academic plan and prepare you to perform well in the courses you decide to take. By taking a systematic approach to actively engaging with your course syllabus, you'll be better prepared to handle the challenges of college coursework and achieve your academic goals.
By the way, plenty of other resources exist to help you review a course syllabus. Here is an example provided by Stetson University.
As you embark on your academic journey, consider joining our free virtual community on Facebook, where like-minded peers share insights, support, and tips for navigating college life successfully. Engaging with your syllabus and these communities provides a robust foundation for achieving academic excellence and maximizing your educational journey.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter for updates about new content and access to additional resources like scholarships and other giveaways.
Comments