Model Course Syllabus
This resource provides a comprehensive template and guidelines for creating your course syllabus.
Overview
A well-structured syllabus sets clear expectations and supports student success. This model includes all required components and best practices for syllabus development.
Syllabus Language
The resource is offered to faculty and is entirely optional. It is not a requirement
or mandate. Faculty are encouraged to use, adapt, or modify it in ways that best align
with their discipline and teaching approach.
Developed by a faculty group [Roseanne Quinn, Kim Palmore, Sal Breiter, Sarah Wilker]
in Fall 2025 and refined through Academic Senate feedback, this resource reflects
a collegial, faculty-driven process grounded in shared governance and commitment to
supporting one another in this work.
In line with De Anza College’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice,
this resource is intended to foster classroom environments rooted in community, care,
and mutual respect. It supports critical inquiry and engagement with complex ideas
while acknowledging the importance of faculty and student safety - intellectual, emotional,
and physical, especially in the current climate.
This language is meant to help create conditions for open, thoughtful dialogue and
for students and faculty to engage with diverse perspectives in ways that are rigorous,
respectful, and aligned with De Anza’s values. Please direct any feedback to the Academic Senate