Foundations of a Course Outline

A strong syllabus works as the foundation for the information conveyed through your course and as a standalone document. This resource was developed to help instructors create an effective course outline based on the principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). Hover or click on the

Toronto Metropolitan University

Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example

Semester and Year, Section
Classroom Number, Class Time(s), Place(s)

Instructor information

  • (416) 979 - 5000 ext. ______
  • Email address: example@torontomu.ca

Email policy

Include any instructions or limitations on students’ use of email in the course, as well as any preference for other means of contact. For more ideas on how to more efficiently deal with communications from students, refer to Responding to Student Email.

Boilerplate concerning the Email Policy.

Course description

Copy and paste the course description from the Toronto Metropolitan University Calendar, which typically includes the course designation (Professional, Professionally-Related or Liberal Studies), hours per week, prerequisites, anti-requisites, and any other course exclusions. Course descriptions for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies are available at Toronto Metropolitan University Calendar.

Teaching methods

A description of the teaching method(s) and technology that will be used.

  • You can also describe the format the class will take, for example, laboratory, studio, problem-based learning, seminar, field work, or You can also note if lecture content will be live, pre-recorded or if live sessions will be recorded depending on in person or remote learning.
  • If you will be using technology, please indicate which technologies you will use (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet, Google Suite). For remote teaching clarify how the course will be delivered (asynchronously vs synchronously) and which tools will be used for each aspect of the course. You can also note if lecture content will be live, pre-recorded or if live sessions will be recorded depending on in person or remote learning.
  • In cases where there are multiple sections of the same course that share a common outline, students should be provided with at least a brief instructor-specific version.

Course materials

Information about textbooks, course readings, and other or and how to access them. Specific details on any in course work, assignments, or exams.

Course learning outcomes

describe what students are expected to have learned or achieved; as a result, they usually describe what students will be capable of doing, or what evidence will be provided to substantiate learning.

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Toronto Metropolitan University

Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example

Topics and course schedule

and corresponding readings (as well as any field trips or required activities outside of class time). Ensure your

Week Date Readings
Week 1 September 9
  • Before class: Watch lecture video, complete readings, submit an answer to at least two of the guiding questions in D2L.
  • Attend one of two labs.
  • After class: Submit a reflection on the class discussion to D2L.
Chapter readings: 1 & 2
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12

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Toronto Metropolitan University

Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example

Evaluation

  • A list and (at least tentative) schedule of all exams, and other work to be graded, and
  • The exam, and/or
  • A notice if any unscheduled evaluations will be used as part of the grading scheme (e.g. pop quizzes).
  • An indication of approximately when the first assessment results or other grades will be returned to students (this should be before the last date to drop the class).
  • A statement regarding how late work will be evaluated.
  • For online or hybrid courses, a note on whether the final exam will be conducted online or in person.

Assessment weighting breakdown

Evaluation component Percentage of final grade
Total: 100%

University policies

Students must be reminded that they are required to adhere to all relevant university policies found in their online course shell in D2L and/or on the Senate website.

Missed class and/or evaluations

Boilerplate concerning Missed class and/or evaluations.

Health certificates

Boilerplate concerning Health certificates.

Religious observance

Boilerplate concerning Religious observance.

Students who need Academic Accommodation Support

Boilerplate concerning Students who need Academic Accomodation Support.

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Toronto Metropolitan University

Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example

Academic integrity and plagiarism

Boilerplate concerning Academic integrity and plagiarism.

Plagiarism detection

Boilerplate concerning plagiarism detection.

Virtual proctoring

Boilerplate concerning virtual proctoring.

Important resources available on campus

  • The Library provides research workshops and individual assistance. Inquire at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the library, or go to Library Online Workshops.
  • Student Life and Learning Support offers group-based and individual help with writing, math, study skills and transition support, and other issues.
  • on significant dates, academic standings, exam schedules, etc., visit the Current Students website.
  • The student guide summarizes the policies, fees, procedures and services you’ll need to know as a Toronto Metropolitan University student.

Support

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we recognize that things can come up throughout the term that may interfere with a student’s ability to succeed in their coursework. These circumstances are outside of one’s control and can have a serious impact on physical and mental well-being. Seeking help can be a challenge, especially in those times of crisis. Below are resources we encourage all Toronto Metropolitan University community members to access to ensure support is reachable.

Toronto Metropolitan University Mental Health and Wellbeing

If support is needed immediately, you can access these outside resources at anytime:

  • Distress Line: 24/7 line for if you are in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of emotional support (phone: 416–408–4357)
  • Good2Talk: 24/7 hour line for postsecondary students (phone: 1-866-925-5454)

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