Getting the most out of
Course Outlines

Course outlines are a basic requirement of all university instruction, but they are often underutilized. Many instructors provide only the bare minimum mandated by the administration, and so fail to take advantage of the opportunities provided by this highly versatile teaching tool. Properly developed, the course outline can:

orient students to course materials, processes, and expectations
orient students to the discipline represented by the course, including professional standards, attitudes and behaviours
improve student learning and success (raise standards)
ease instruction and increase instructor satisfaction
improve student satisfaction for better course evaluations

Basic Principles

Specific
No Surprises
Flexible
Responsive
Elements of an Effective Outline

Instructor Information
Calendar Description
Expected Outcomes
Required Materials
Evaluation
Expectations for Student Behaviour
Distribution
Use

Refinements

External Linkages
Introductory Statements
Graphic Design
Course Specific Issues

Sample Outlines

Sample Course Manifesto
Sample Graphic Design
Sample Discussion Course
Sample Lecture Course

Sample On-line Course Outline

Last updated, April, 2017
© 2004, 2017 Robert Runté,
Senior Editor, Essential Edits

Getting the most out of Course Outlines

Getting the most out of
Course Outlines