Develop Your Syllabus

The following outline and examples will help you develop a strong SL syllabus and supplementary docs.

— NOTE:   Choose the components that fit your course (not all elements will apply).

Items to include:

Service-Learning Rationale and Description

Explain what SL is, why you are using it, and what students will gain.

• • See sample syllabus language to explain SL, or SL definitions, benefits.
  • If you provide SL as an option, consider this syllabus language for “SL option”
  • Describe the nature of the service and the community issue it addresses.

SL learning objectives

• Describe the learning objective for the SL (academic, personal/professional, and civic learning).
• For each SL-related learning outcome (LO), outline the activities that will advance LO and how learning will be assessed.

Transparency with assignments related to SL

• Use this SL assignment template to add clarity and transparency
• Describe a flexible alternative to ensure learners of all different backgrounds and abilities can participate
• Clarify the link between the learning outcomes and the SL activities.
  Use assignments, discussions, readings, presentations, etc. See ideas see examples and Assignments examples.
• Describe Reflection assignments or activities (at least three)
• Offer instructions for working with community partners — example of tip sheets

Specify assessment criteria

Specify how students will be assessed and how they will demonstrate what they have learned from the service.

• • For ideas see Rubrics and Assessment.

Explain process

Explain how students will select projects, communicate with community partners, etc. The following may apply to your course:

• • If students can design their own project, consider using the “Student Initiated Project” form and tip sheet on the SL forms page
  • If students have an option to turn a regular class project into a SL project, consider this syllabus language for “SL option“

Establish benchmarks

Establish benchmarks or a timeline for contacting the agency and beginning and completing service.

• • See Sample Course Timeline.

Clarify policies and reporting lines

• • State your expectations for students’ accountability to their community partner (see example – then scroll down)
  • Clarify your process for addressing challenges
  • Give a cut-off date for changing projects (week six is usually manageable.)

Review risk management

• • Include language about accountability and risk management, if appropriate. (See Risk management steps for faculty). 

See also:

• Sample syllabi
• SL designation form