Online Syllabus Template
Course Number and Section
Course Title
Semester, Year
Meeting Time and Place
Include any face-to-face meeting days and times and/or any required virtual class meeting days and
times.
Credits
Prerequisites
Instructor:
Office: if applicable
Email:
Office, home or cell phone:
Virtual office hours:
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE POLICY
The course syllabus should include contact information for course instructor; including preferred mode
of communication (email, phone, and text) and if applicable, hours for each (e.g., preferred hours for
phone calls). Response policy should articulate that instructors will respond to emails within 24 hours
on weekdays and within 48 hours on weekends. The course syllabus should also include virtual office
hours for 1-3 hours per week where instructor will be available to immediately answer questions (e.g.,
via email, phone, chat, etc).
Catalog Course Description
Section-Specific Description (if relevant)
Student Learning Outcomes
The course syllabus should include course learning outcomes and show how they align with the
department, program, and/or core curriculum outcomes. Additionally syllabus should communicate
specific measures of course learning outcomes.
Example of learning outcomes from ENGL 360 (Instructor: Rolf Samuels)
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Sample the work of major writers of and around the Latin American Boom.
2. Understand the concept and defining features of the Latin American Boom.
3. Situate Latin American literary texts in the context of relevant regional and national politics and
culture.
4. Develop and apply interpretive approaches for unrealistic writing (e.g., magical realism).
5. Support clear literary analyses with apt textual evidence.
Learning Outcomes Alignment
This course serves multiple student audiences. It meets requirements for Literary Analysis in the core
curriculum. It develops skills and knowledge for English majors. And it provides cultural knowledge and
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Online Syllabus Template
contexts for Latin American Studies minors. The table below shows how the learning outcomes for each
of these audiences aligns with the assignments you’ll complete.
Literary Analysis
Outcomes
Apply generic conventions
and/or cultural/historical
contexts to elucidate
meaning in literature.
English Major
Outcomes
Understand
literary
classifications.
Read critically.
Identify how language
manifests meaning in
literature.
Use textual evidence to
demonstrate a convincing
written claim about
meaning in literature.
Latin American
Studies Minor
Outcomes
Identify the diverse
ethnic, linguistic, and
cultural composition of
Latin American, and
Latino population.
Read critically.
Relevant
Course
Outcomes
Assignments
promoting
outcomes
1, 2, 3
Class discussion
Midterm exam
All papers
4
Response papers
Class discussion
5
Class discussion
Response papers
Midterm
Final paper
Read critically.
Write effectively.
Derive evidence from a
literary text to demonstrate
a claim.
Read critically.
5
Class discussion
Response papers
Midterm
Final paper
Cite textual evidence
according to Modern
Language Association style.
Research and
document
proficiently.
5
All papers
3
Context
presentations
Describe main
historical events in
Latin America from PreColumbian times to the
present.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The course should include multiple forms of instruction (e.g., interactive discussions, writing
assignments, and testing) to address multiple styles of student learning.
Required Materials (textbooks, online sources, etc.)
Recommended/Supplemental Texts and/or Reserve Materials
Required Assignments
Course calendar should show a detailed schedule of deadlines for course activities and include
rubrics/specific expectations for assignments when available (or information on where/when in course
site rubrics or expectations will be posted).
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Online Syllabus Template
Sample course calendar with deadlines for students:
January 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Journal #1 due
8
9
Week #1
Discussion posts
#1 due
10
Quiz #1 open
11
Quiz #1 open
12
Week #1
Discussion posts
#2 due
13
14
Research paper
#1 due
15
16
Week #2
Discussion posts
#1 due
17
18
19
Week #2
Discussion posts
#2 due
20
21
Journal #2 due
22
24
Quiz #2 open
25
Quiz #2 open
26
Week #3
Discussion posts
#2 due
27
28
Research paper
#2 due
29
23
Week #3
Discussion posts
#1 due
30
Week #4
Discussion posts
#1 due
31
Credit Hour Equivalents
*Regardless of format, all courses are required to meet the required credit hour standards by a
combination of instructional time and outside work. Outside work could include additional outside
reading, group work, service projects, field work, clinical rotations, among other learning
activities. Viterbo defines one credit hour as 750 minutes over 15 weeks. In addition, for a 15-week
course, each credit requires that students spend two hours of work outside of class per week (Note
graduate courses require that students spend three hours of work outside of class per week).
Minimum class and outside work time are calculated according to this formula:
(750 + 1800) *
the # of credits of a course =
the minimum number of minutes of seat time
and outside work required
For example, for undergraduate courses, a three-credit course requires a minimum of 7,650 total
minutes. For graduate courses, a three-credit course requires a minimum of XX total minutes.
This standard for the total instructional and outside work time applies for all formats of instruction: 15week on-site courses, 7-week partially online courses, and 7-week fully-online or blended courses.
Please see Appendix 1 and 2 for details for specific credit hour requirements for different instruction
formats and examples of “instructional time” and “outside work time”.
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Online Syllabus Template
Example demonstrating how instructional time and outside work time will be met in the course (for a 3credit, undergraduate, 7-week online course):
Schedule
Instructional Time
Week #1
Discussion board assignment #1
Voice narrated powerpoint #1
Short video with discussion board
posting
Discussion board assignment #2
Voice narrated powerpoint #2
Computer simulation with
discussion board posting #1
Week #2
Hours
estimated
3 hours
1 hour
1.3 hours
3 hours
1 hour
Outside Instructional Time
Hours
estimated
Assigned reading: Chapters 1-3
Article readings & critiques
Homework assignment #1
2.9 hours
4 hours
6 hours
Assigned reading: Chapters 4-6
Homework assignment #2
Short position paper #1
2.9 hours
6 hours
4 hours
1.3 hours
Assignment Weights
Grading Scheme:
(How will the required assignments be assessed? What percentages attach to each grade level? Where
rubrics are not included, the syllabus should name where and when they will be provided.)
Instructors should include online etiquette guidelines to students in syllabus or name where and when
these guidelines will be posted in the course site.
Formatting and Documentation Guidelines
Attendance Policy
Include expectations for how often students are expected to access the Moodle course site (e.g., every
48 hours minimum). Course calendar should show a detailed schedule of deadlines for course activities.
Academic Integrity Policy
Maintaining a standard of academic honesty is a responsibility shared by the students, faculty and
administration at Viterbo University. The faculty has the responsibility to create an atmosphere in which
students may display their knowledge. This atmosphere includes sufficient safeguards to control
dishonesty including an orderly testing room, restrictions on text messages, etc. Students have the
responsibility to understand academic misconduct and to refrain from it.
Students may view details for the academic integrity policy at:
http://www.thezonelive.com/SchoolStructure/WI_ViterboUniversity/handbook.pdf
Late Work Policy
Electronic Submissions Policy
Syllabus should include information about the anti-plagiarism detection program Turn it in – if this
program is used in a course, the syllabus should include a statement similar to the one below:
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Online Syllabus Template
Anti-plagiarism software: You may be required to submit some of your written work via an antiplagiarism software package called Turn it in. Turn it in is an anti-plagiarism software package that
checks your work against internet databases and an institutional database of other student papers. The
work that you submit via Turn it in will automatically become part of the Viterbo institutional database –
it will not be accessible to other students, however, if someone uses your work in the future, Turn it in
will report there is a matching student paper in the database. If you have technical problems using this
software, you will be required to provide your instructor with an electronic copy of your written work. If
you do not agree to submit your work via the anti-plagiarism software if requested by your instructor,
you will receive a score of zero for that assignment.
Course Support Services
Learning assistance is available from the Academic Resource Center. Content tutoring is available for all
students by signing up in the Center. Writing specialists are also available to assist students in any
course. Students may schedule writing appointments by going to the ARC web page and clicking on the
book now icon.
You may access student support services directly from your Moodle course page; go to the upper right
hand corner and view the tabs for help desk, library, academic resource center and student services.
Disability Statement
The Academic Resource Center provides services to students who have indicated that they have a
disability. Students who have a diagnosed disability and require legitimate accommodations must
complete an Application for Accommodations Based on Disability-Related Need and should contact the
Academic Resource Center at 796-3190.
Syllabus Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Viterbo University seeks to ensure that campus community members learn and work in a hospitable and
inclusive environment. To this end, Viterbo policy and Title IX prohibit sex discrimination, sexual
harassment, and sexual misconduct including, but not limited to sexual assault, sexual exploitation,
dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
As a faculty member, I am required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and thus cannot guarantee
confidentiality. I must provide our Title IX Coordinator with relevant details such as the names of those
involved in the incident. Viterbo is legally obligated to respond to reports of sexual misconduct, and
therefore we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of a report, unless made to a confidential
resource. Although I have to report the situation, you will still have options about how your case will be
handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint. Viterbo’s goal is to make sure
you are aware of the range of options available to you and that you have access to the resources you
need.
Viterbo encourages anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or relationship violence to get
support and assistance from one of the confidential or non-confidential resources listed at this link:
http://www.viterbo.edu/sexual-misconduct/make-report-or-file-complaint
For the complete Viterbo University Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Policy with resources, procedures, and flowchart, please visit this web site:
http://www.viterbo.edu/sexual-misconduct/sexual-misconduct-policy-and-sanctions
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Online Syllabus Template
Counseling Services
It is common for college students to struggle with stress or other emotional challenges, and you may
feel a need or desire to seek professional help. If you would like to talk to someone, you are encouraged
to contact Viterbo University’s Counseling Services: https://www.viterbo.edu/counseling-services; 608796-3825. For assistance after normal business hours, you can call the Great Rivers 24-hour helpline: dial
211 from a campus phone or 800-362-8255. For emergencies, dial 911 or campus security (3911 from
campus phone or 608-796-3911).
Course Support Services Schedule
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Online Syllabus Template
Appendix 1: Viterbo University Credit Hour Definition: UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Viterbo University Credit Hour Definition
*Regardless of format, all courses are required to meet the required credit hour standards by a
combination of instructional time and outside work. Outside work could include additional outside
reading, group work, service projects, field work, clinical rotations, among other learning
activities. Viterbo defines one credit hour as 750 minutes over 15 weeks. In addition, for a 15-week
undergraduate course, each credit requires that students spend two hours of work outside of class per
week. Minimum class and outside work time are calculated according to this formula:
(750 + 1800) *
the # of credits of a course =
the minimum number of minutes of seat time
and outside work required
For example, a three-credit course requires a minimum of 7,650 total minutes. This standard for the
total instructional and outside work time applies for all formats of instruction: 15-week on-site courses,
7-week partially online courses, and 7-week fully-online or blended courses.
The following table illustrates how the instructional time and outside work time requirements should be
met for an undergraduate 3-credit course in each format:
***Requirements
for a 3-credit
Course***
Course
Format
15-week on-site
course
7-week partially
online course
7-week fully online
course
7-week blended
course (will vary
based on how many
class sessions meet)
Instructional Time Requirements
In Class (face-toOnline instructional
face) time per
activity time per
week
week
Outside Work Time
Requirements
(amount of time
students will spend on
outside activities per
week)
Total Time per week
times number of weeks
150 minutes
(or 2.5 hours)
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
360 minutes
(or 6 hours)
(150+360)*15
= 7650 minutes
200 minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
121.5 minutes
(or 2 hours)
771.5 minutes
(or 12.9 hours)
(200+121.5+771.5)*7 =
7651 minutes
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
321.5 minutes
(or 5.3 hours)
771.5 minutes
(or 12.9 hours)
(321.5 +771.5)*7
= 7651 minutes
On-site weeks: 200
minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
On-site weeks:
121.5 minutes
(or 2 hours)
Every week:
771.5 minutes
(or 12.9 hours)
(321.5+771.5)*7
= 7651 minutes
Online weeks:
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
Online weeks:
321.5 minutes
(or 5.3 hours)
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Online Syllabus Template
A four-credit course requires a minimum of 10,200 total minutes, including 3000 minutes of
instructional time and 7200 minutes of outside work. This standard for the total instructional and
outside work time applies for all formats of instruction: 15-week on-site courses, 7-week partially online
courses, and 7-week fully-online or blended courses.
The following table illustrates how the instructional time and outside work time requirements should be
met for an undergraduate 4-credit course in each format:
***Requirements
for a 4-credit
Course***
Course
Format
15-week on-site
course
7-week partially
online course
7-week fully online
course
7-week blended
course (will vary
based on how many
class sessions meet)
Instructional Time Requirements
In Class (face-toOnline instructional
face) time per
activity time per
week
week
Outside Work Time
Requirements
(amount of time
students will spend on
outside activities per
week)
Total Time per week
times number of weeks
200 minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
480 minutes
(or 8 hours)
(200+480)*15
= 10,200 minutes
250 minutes
(or 4.2 hours)
178.5 minutes
(or 3 hours)
1028.5 minutes
(or 17.2 hours)
(250+178.5+1028.5)*7 =
10,199 minutes
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
428.5 minutes
(or 7.2 hours)
1028.5 minutes
(or 17.2 hours)
(428.5+1028.5)*7
= 10,199 minutes
On-site weeks: 250
minutes
(or 4.2 hours)
On-site weeks:
178.5 minutes
(or 3 hours)
Every week:
1028.5 minutes
(or 17.2 hours)
(428.5+1028.5)*7
= 10,199 minutes
Online weeks:
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
Online weeks:
428.5 minutes
(or 7.2 hours)
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Online Syllabus Template
Appendix 2: Viterbo University Credit Hour Definition: GRADUATE COURSES
Viterbo University Credit Hour Definition
*Regardless of format, all courses are required to meet the required credit hour standards by a
combination of instructional time and outside work. Outside work could include additional outside
reading, group work, service projects, field work, clinical rotations, among other learning
activities. Viterbo defines one credit hour as 750 minutes over 15 weeks. In addition, for a 15-week
graduate course, each credit requires that students spend three hours of work outside of class per
week. Minimum class and outside work time are calculated according to this formula:
(750 + 2700) *
the # of credits of a course =
the minimum number of minutes of seat time
and outside work required
For example, a three-credit graduate course requires a minimum of 10,350 total minutes. This standard
for the total instructional and outside work time applies for all formats of instruction: 15-week on-site
courses, 7-week partially online courses, and 7-week fully-online or blended courses.
The following table illustrates how the instructional time and outside work time requirements should be
met for a 3-credit graduate course in each format:
***Requirements
for a 3-credit
Graduate
Course***
Course
Format
15-week on-site
course
7-week partially
online course
7-week fully online
course
7-week blended
course (will vary
based on how many
class sessions meet)
Instructional Time Requirements
In Class (face-toOnline instructional
face) time per
activity time per
week
week
Outside Work Time
Requirements
(amount of time
students will spend on
outside activities per
week)
Total Time per week
times number of weeks
150 minutes
(or 2.5 hours)
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
540 minutes
(or 9 hours)
(150+540)*15
= 10,350 minutes
200 minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
121.5 minutes
(or 2 hours)
1157 minutes
(or 19.3 hours)
(200+121.5+1157)*7 =
10,349.5 minutes
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
321.5 minutes
(or 5.3 hours)
1157 minutes
(or 19.3 hours)
(321.5 +1157)*7
= 10,349.5 minutes
On-site weeks: 200
minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
On-site weeks:
121.5 minutes
(or 2 hours)
Every week:
1157 minutes
(or 19.3 hours)
(321.5+1157)*7
= 10,349.5 minutes
Online weeks:
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
Online weeks:
321.5 minutes
(or 5.3 hours)
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Online Syllabus Template
A four-credit graduate course requires a minimum of 13,800 total minutes, including 3000 minutes of
instructional time and 10,800 minutes of outside work. This standard for the total instructional and
outside work time applies for all formats of instruction: 15-week on-site courses, 7-week partially online
courses, and 7-week fully-online or blended courses.
The following table illustrates how the instructional time and outside work time requirements should be
met for a 4-credit graduate course in each format:
***Requirements
for a 4-credit
Graduate
Course***
Course
Format
15-week on-site
course
7-week partially
online course
7-week fully online
course
7-week blended
course (will vary
based on how many
class sessions meet)
Instructional Time Requirements
In Class (face-toOnline instructional
face) time per
activity time per
week
week
Outside Work Time
Requirements
(amount of time
students will spend on
outside activities per
week)
Total Time per week
times number of weeks
200 minutes
(or 3.3 hours)
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
720 minutes
(or 12 hours)
(200+720)*15
= 13,800 minutes
250 minutes
(or 4.2 hours)
178.5 minutes
(or 3 hours)
1543 minutes
(or 25.7 hours)
(250+178.5+1543)*7 =
13,800.5 minutes
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
428.5 minutes
(or 7.2 hours)
1543 minutes
(or 25.7 hours)
(428.5+1543)*7
= 13,800.5 minutes
On-site weeks: 250
minutes
(or 4.2 hours)
On-site weeks:
178.5 minutes
(or 3 hours)
Every week:
1543 minutes
(or 25.7 hours)
(428.5+1543)*7
= 13,800.5 minutes
Online weeks:
0 minutes
(or 0 hours)
Online weeks:
428.5 minutes
(or 7.2 hours)
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Online Syllabus Template
Appendix 3: Examples of instructional time and outside work time activities
Syllabi should delineate “Instructional Time” from “Outside Work Time”. Instructional time is
distinguished from outside work time by the presence of the instructor as a facilitator in activities of the
course. If the instructor is not participating and facilitating an activity, it is considered outside work.
Some examples of instructional time versus outside work time are as follows:
Activities That are Considered “Instructional Time”:










On-site class meetings and instructor-facilitated (in-person) discussions
Instructor-facilitated online chats
Instructor-facilitated discussion board interactions
Streaming videos recorded and posted by the instructor
Instructor’s voice-over power points
Planned email discussions with the instructor (part of the pre-planned course activities, not
simply responding to questions that may or may not arise)
Quizzes and tests with feedback directly from the instructor
Instructor-facilitated group work
Online streamed lecture video from an expert in the field, with a related discussion facilitated by
the instructor
Other activities with active instructor involvement
Activities That are Considered “Outside Work Time”:







Writing papers
Reading books and articles
Preparing presentations
Textbook assignments
Watching videos
Accessing and reading content on external websites
Other activities that do not include direct instructor involvement
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