When evaluating a syllabus, one must insure that it defines the different aspects of the works to be studied. A proper syllabus should include the following.

Name of Instructor--including ways to reach the instructor (phone, email, contact hours, office hours).

Expectations--including expectations for the students attending the class (rules, number of missed classes allowed, times of class and meeting days).

Grading scale--including a break down of points, any weighted sections (for example, if tests or the final are weighted more heavily).

Description of class--this section should include a summary of what the principle course of study will be.

Assignments--every syllabus should outline the plan for study (including dates of readings, due dates, test dates, and project dates).

In order to evaluate a syllabus, one should be sure that the syllabus contains all the factors mentioned above. A syllabus lacking any of the important points will fail to insure that students know exactly what is expected of them. Secondly, the syllabus should never contain any grammatical errors. This is typically the first thing handed to students. If it contains any grammatical errors, the teacher/professor's integrity can be called into question.