Updating your Syllabus

The Syllabus: An Overview

 

The Syllabus is a dynamic syllabus, everything from the "Date and Details" line will automatically populate from assessments or events created and associated with the course.  Below the line is not an editable space, what is created there is created by other areas of Canvas, and must be altered in those spaces.  

 

 

The syllabus is a great place to add course expectations and requirements along with transparency of weighted grades and assessment groups for the course.   

The Syllabus tool has three areas:

  1. The top portion can be edited using the rich content editor and can include any text, images, or videos. You can copy and paste your syllabus into this area or upload a syllabus file (Word or PDF) and link to the file in this area. 
  2. The bottom portion of the page is automatically populated with items that will be graded and have been assigned due dates. If a due date changes, items are automatically reordered.
  3. The sidebar contains the course Calendar and the Grading Criteria (if it is created).

Updating the Syllabus

If you are teaching a course that was created using a Source Course you will likely need to personalize the syllabus. If you are using a course taught in a previous semester you will need to update as well.  


Essentials you should have on any syllabus include –

  • Instructor contact information is clear and accurate
  • Course goals and objectives are easily located and clearly written at the appropriate level and reflect desired, measurable outcomes.
  • A clearly defined grading scheme is provided in the syllabus.
  • It is clear how the instructional strategies will enable students to reach course goals and objectives.
  • Assignments are described in detail.
  • Activity and due dates are accurate for the semester.

 

Inline Syllabus Preview

 

It is strongly suggested that you set your syllabus file to be automatically opened inline on the Syllabus page.

This file shows how. - Putting your Syllabus Inline on the Syllabus Page.pdf Download Putting your Syllabus Inline on the Syllabus Page.pdf

Need more information? Check out this Canvas Guide!