Syllabus
A syllabus (/ˈsɪləbəs/, AFI: /ˈsɪl.ə.bəs/; pl.: syllabuses[1] or syllabi[2])[3] or specification is a document that communicates information about an academic course or class and defines expectations and responsibilities. It is generally an overview or summary of the curriculum. A syllabus may be set out by an examination board or prepared by the tutor or instructor who teaches or controls the course. The word is also used more generally for an abstract or programme of knowledge, and is best known in this sense as referring to two catalogues published by the Catholic Church in 1864 and 1907 condemning certain doctrinal positions.[4]
Etymology
According to the
Chambers Dictionary agrees that it derives from the Greek for a book label, but claims that the original Greek was a feminine noun, sittybā, σίττυβα, borrowed by Latin, the misreading coming from an accusative plural Latin sittybas.[8]
Modern research
In a 2002 study, Parks and Harris suggest "a syllabus can serve students as a model of professional thinking and writing".[9] They also believe effective learning requires a complex interaction of skills, such as time management, prioritization of tasks, technology use, etc., and that a syllabus can promote the development of these skills.
In 2005, Slattery & Carlson describe the syllabus as a "contract between
See also
References
- ^ a b "syllabus". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ Merriam-Webster Dictionary <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syllabus>
- ^ "syllabus". Cambridge Dictionary.
- ^ Chambers Dictionary, 1998, p. 1674.
- ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary - Syllabus". Retrieved 22 August 2012.
- Perseus Project.
- ^ a b "The Curious and Quibbling History of "Syllabus" (part 2)". Epekteinomene. 23 July 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
- ^ Chambers Dictionary, 1998, p. 1674.
- S2CID 143065377.
- S2CID 144466211.
- S2CID 143816313.