Course Syllabus Template (College Instructor)

A college course syllabus — course/instructor info, description, learning objectives, required materials, a grading breakdown (with a weight-totals check), weekly schedule, and standard course policies.

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COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Microeconomics  (ECON 101 — Section 002)
Fall 2026   |   3 credits   |   Tue/Thu 9:30–10:45 AM, Hayes Hall 204

Instructor:   Prof. A. Sample
Email:        a.sample@example.edu
Office hours: Wed 1–3 PM, Hayes Hall 512 (or by appointment)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to microeconomic principles: supply and demand, elasticity, consumer and producer theory, market structures, and market failure. Emphasis on applying models to real-world decisions and policy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
   - Explain how supply and demand determine prices in competitive markets
   - Calculate and interpret elasticity
   - Analyze firm behavior under different market structures
   - Evaluate the efficiency and equity effects of basic policies

REQUIRED MATERIALS
   - Principles of Microeconomics, 9th ed. (open-access edition acceptable)
   - Graphing calculator or spreadsheet
   - Course site on the LMS for readings and submissions

GRADING
   - Problem sets (10): 20%
   - Midterm exam: 25%
   - Final exam: 30%
   - Quizzes: 15%
   - Participation: 10%
   (Weights total 100%.)
Grade scale: A 93+, A- 90, B+ 87, B 83, B- 80, C+ 77, C 73, C- 70, D 60, F <60

WEEKLY SCHEDULE  (subject to change)
   Week 1    Course intro; thinking like an economist   [Ch. 1]
   Week 2    Supply and demand   [Ch. 2; PS1 due]
   Week 3    Elasticity   [Ch. 3]
   Week 4    Consumer theory   [Ch. 4; PS2 due]
   Week 5    Costs of production   [Ch. 5]
   Week 6    Midterm review and exam   [Midterm Thu]

COURSE POLICIES
   - Attendance: more than 3 unexcused absences may lower the participation grade.
   - Late work: -10% per day, up to 3 days; not accepted after, except for documented emergencies.
   - Academic integrity: all work must be your own; violations are reported per the Student Code of Conduct.
   - Accommodations: students with disabilities should contact Disability Services; approved accommodations will be honored.
   - AI tools: permitted for brainstorming and study, not for graded submissions unless explicitly allowed.

This syllabus may be updated during the term; the instructor will announce any
changes. Students are responsible for institutional policies and required
statements (academic integrity, disability accommodations, Title IX).

About this template

A college syllabus is part course map, part contract: at many institutions it is treated as a binding statement of how the course will run, so clarity protects both the instructor and students. The components students and accreditors expect are consistent: **course and instructor information** (including how and when to reach the instructor), a **description and learning objectives** that say what students will be able to do by the end, **required materials**, a **grading breakdown**, a **weekly schedule**, and **policies**. The grading section is where disputes start, so two things matter: the weights should **add up to 100%** (this template totals them and warns you if they do not), and the grade scale should be explicit. The schedule should carry a "subject to change" note, because it almost always does — but major changes (exam dates, weights) should be announced, not silently edited. The policy section is also where most institutions require specific boilerplate: an **academic-integrity** statement, a **disability-accommodations** statement (required at public colleges under the ADA and Section 504), and increasingly a **basic-needs / Title IX** statement and an **AI-use** policy clarifying when generative tools are and are not allowed. Check your department or teaching-and-learning center for the exact required language — accreditors and disability-services offices often audit syllabi for it. Beyond compliance, the most effective syllabi are written *to* students in plain language, lead with what the course is about and why it matters, and make the path to a good grade unambiguous.

When to use it

  • Building or updating a syllabus for a college or university course.
  • Standardizing course information, grading, and policies in one document.
  • Meeting institutional/accreditation requirements for syllabus content.
  • Giving students a clear map of objectives, schedule, and how grades work.

What to include

  • Course and instructor info, meeting times, and contact/office hours.
  • Description and measurable learning objectives.
  • Required materials and a grading breakdown that totals 100%.
  • A weekly schedule (marked subject to change) and the grade scale.
  • Policies: academic integrity, accommodations, late work, attendance, AI use.

Frequently asked

It is not a formal contract, but many institutions treat the syllabus as a binding statement of course policy, and courts have sometimes looked to it in disputes. Practically, you should follow what you publish — and announce, rather than silently change, major items like exam dates or grade weights.
⚠ Legal disclaimer. This course syllabus template is a general academic document, not legal advice. Many institutions treat the syllabus as binding and require specific statements (academic integrity, ADA/Section 504 disability accommodations, Title IX, basic needs). Use your institution's required boilerplate and have it reviewed against department and accreditation requirements.
Jurisdiction: United States / general — an academic course document, not a legal contract (though many institutions treat the syllabus as a binding statement of course policy). Public colleges must provide disability accommodations under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; most institutions require an accessibility/accommodations statement, an academic-integrity policy, and (often) a basic-needs/Title IX statement on every syllabus — check your institution's required boilerplate.
Last reviewed: 2026-05
Reviewed by ScoutMyTool — consult a licensed attorney for binding use.

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