Syllabus Template Example

The following syllabus is provided as an example of what to include in your own syllabus.

To view samples from other courses, visit elearn.usu.edu/syllabus for a list of publicly available course syllabi.

Course Information

ENGL 1010: Introduction to College Writing
Section: 001

Days: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Location: Humanities Building, Room 214

Instructor: John Smith
Email: john.smith@university.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00–3:00 p.m. [insert link to book an in-person/virtual appointment]
Office Location: School Building, Room 305

I’m excited to work with you this semester. Writing is a skill that grows through practice, feedback, and reflection, and this course is designed to support you at every step. My role is to coach and challenge you while creating a learning environment where you feel respected and supported. I truly believe that every one of you in this course can succeed, regardless of prior experience with writing.

I look forward to working with you this semester!

Course Description

This course introduces you to the practices of college-level writing, reading, and critical thinking. You will learn how to communicate clearly and persuasively across academic, professional, and everyday contexts. The writing skills you develop here—analyzing sources, constructing arguments, revising thoughtfully, and adapting your voice to different audiences—are essential for your future coursework, career, and civic life.

Throughout the semester, you will write about ideas that matter to you, draw on your own experiences, and engage with real-world issues. You will practice writing as a process, receiving feedback from peers and your instructor, and revising your work to strengthen your confidence and competence as a writer.

Course Fees

There are no additional course fees. All required readings will be provided digitally at no cost.

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Analyze texts to identify purpose, audience, rhetorical strategies, and key arguments.
  2. Compose clear, focused essays that demonstrate logical organization and effective reasoning.
  3. Integrate credible sources using appropriate citation.
  4. Revise writing based on instructor and peer feedback to improve clarity and effectiveness.
  5. Apply standard academic conventions of grammar, style, and formatting.
  6. Reflect on their own writing process to identify strengths and areas for continued growth.

Course Schedule

Week

Date(s)

Topic(s)

Readings

Assignments Due

1

Aug 26 & 28

Introduction to College Writing

Course Syllabus

Diagnostic Writing

2

Sept 2

Labor Day

 

 

—

Sept 4

Writing as a Process

Essay Samples

Reflection 1

3

Sept 9 & 11

Rhetorical Situations

Articles Packet

Short Essay Draft

4

Sept 16 & 18

Thesis & Organization

Chapter 2

Short Essay Final

5

Sept 23 & 25

Critical Reading

Essays Packet

Reading Response

6

Sept 30 & Oct 2

Argument & Evidence

Chapter 4

Argument Proposal

7

Oct 7 & 9

Research Skills

Library Guide

Annotated Bibliography

8

Oct 14

Peer Review Workshop

Drafts

Argument Draft

—

Oct 16

Fall Break

—

—

9

Oct 21 & 23

Revision Strategies

Chapter 6

Revised Argument

10

Oct 28 & 30

Style & Voice

Style Guide

Reflection 2

11

Nov 4 & 6

Writing for Public Audiences

Articles

Multimodal Draft

12

Nov 11 & 13

Multimodal Composition

Examples

Multimodal Project

13

Nov 18 & 20

Editing & Polishing

Review Materials

Portfolio Draft

14

Nov 25

Writing Conferences

—

—

—

Nov 27

Thanksgiving Holiday

—

—

15

Dec 2 & 4

Final Reflections

—

Final Portfolio

Schedule subject to change with advance notice.

Evaluation Methods and Criteria

Your grade reflects consistent effort, growth, and engagement with the writing process.

Grading Breakdown:

  • Major Writing Projects (3): 50%
  • Multimodal Project: 15%
  • Reading Responses & Short Assignments: 10%
  • Participation & Workshops: 15%
  • Final Portfolio & Reflection: 10%

Grading Scale:

  • A = 93 or above
  • A- = 90 – 92.9
  • B+ = 87 – 89.9
  • B = 83 – 86.9
  • B- = 80 – 82.9
  • C+ = 77 – 79.9
  • C = 73 – 76.9
  • C- = 70 – 72.9
  • D+ = 67 – 69.9
  • D = 60 – 66.9
  • F = 59.9 or below

Resources for Student Success


You are encouraged to use these resources early and often—they exist to support your success.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Your presence matters. This course relies on discussion, workshops, and collaborative learning. Regular attendance will help you build skills and confidence. If you must miss class, communicate with me as soon as possible and stay current with assignments.

Late Work Policy

Deadlines help keep the class moving forward, but learning remains the priority.

  • Most assignments may be submitted up to 48 hours late for half credit.
  • Major projects may be revised up to 2 days after submission for improved credit.
  • Participation activities cannot be made up but are balanced by multiple opportunities throughout the semester.
  • If unexpected circumstances arise, please reach out—I am willing to work with you to find an appropriate.

AI Policy

In this course, students are permitted and encouraged to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and others in their assignment work. Students will be responsible for the content and quality of their assignment submissions, which are expected to meet the assignment criteria and will be graded accordingly. Students are likewise expected to exercise responsibility and adhere to the following best practices:

  • Thoroughly review AI output for relevance, depth, inaccuracies, bias, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and other issues, making corrections as needed.
  • Refrain from inputting or producing imagery, video, or audio of another person’s likeness or voice in an AI tool without their express permission.
  • Refrain from submitting sensitive or private information about another person to an AI tool.
  • Refrain from uploading copyright-protected or paywalled content to an AI tool without the creator’s permission.
  • Cite AI as a reference whenever its outputs are used, quoted, or paraphrased.

University Policies

This course follows all university policies related to academic integrity, accessibility accommodations, student conduct, and safety. Students are expected to uphold ethical academic practices and contribute to a respectful learning environment. Support is available if challenges arise.