CSM Library: Course Design Corner: Syllabi Gallery

Featured Syllabi

This section features syllabi developed by CSM faculty, which embody many of the principles covered in the syllabus self-assessment guide. As you review each document, stop at sections that catch your attention and try to identify the specific principles being applied. How does the instructor demystify important information for students? (Demystify) How does the tone welcome and validate students? (Welcome & Validate) How does the instructor convey the promise of a partnership? (Create a partnership) How are different ways of knowing and learning integrated? (Represent & Diversify) How does the document incorporate accessibility features? (Make it accessible).

Click on each title or thumbnail image to see the full version of the corresponding syllabus.

Note: All faculty members featured in this section have provided authorization to share their syllabi with the SMCCCD community.

Featured Syllabi Gallery

ETHN 101 | Professor Jackie Santizo
College of San Mateo. Ethnic Studies Department

Professor Jackie Santizo combines visual elements and inviting language/tone in a document that issues a powerful invitation to exploring the histories and cultures of Latine and Indigenous people in the U.S. Professor Santizo also includes a fresh and interesting take on plagiarism and AI, explaining her rationale on the role of AI in the field of ethnic studies.

Reach out to Prof. Santizo: santizoj@smccd.edu

ESL 401 | Professor Elinor Westfold
College of San Mateo. English as a Second Language (ESL) Department

Professor Elinor Westfold demystifies important information in her syllabus, guiding students through core elements of the course, providing strategies to succeed, and explaining how to navigate the contract grading approach. Professor Westfold's syllabus invites students to "embark on [the] exciting experiment" that is ESL 401, using a combination of welcoming language, compassionate (yet rigorous) tone, and purposeful visual elements.

Reach out to Prof. Westfold: westfolde@smccd.edu

OCEN 100 | Professor Katryn Wiese
College of San Mateo. Geological Sciences Department

Professor Wiese's embodies the principle of demystifying important information. She intentionally provides the rationale behind core instructional decisions, such as the course grading approach (pp. 2-3), and course policies (e.g., Late assignments & Attendance, p. 8; Communication, feedback, and expectations, pp. 10-12). Additionally, the syllabus presents community and collaboration as foundational elements of the class and the discipline.

Reach out to Prof. Wiese: wiesek@smccd.edu

ECON 102 | Professor Guillermo Cockrum
College of San Mateo. Economics Department

Professor Cockrum's liquid syllabus displays a student-centered and humanized approach. It welcomes students to the discipline and offers multiple points of connection, sharing his own experiences as an instructor and mentor. Professor Cockrum emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and the role of making mistakes as part of the learning process.

Reach out to Prof. Cockrum: cockrumg@smccd.edu

FILM 100 | Professor Tamara Perkins
College of San Mateo. Film Department

Professor Perkins' syllabus intentionally conveys the promise of a partnership to students. The overall language and tone of the document send a message of respect and appreciation for the "film scholars" who enroll in her class. She presents film as an exciting endeavor that anyone can embark upon. Pay special attention to the "Five fundamental truths about this class," which represent foundational values of Professor Perkins' pedagogical approach.

Reach out to Prof. Perkins: perkinst@smccd.edu

BUS 171 | Professor Colin Johnson
College of San Mateo. Business Department

Professor Johnson opens his syllabus with a warm and personal introduction of himself, sharing some of his professional background and the roots of his curiosity for the discipline and for teaching. He also uses a relatable tone throughout the document, addressing students in a way that feels inviting and engaging.

Reach out to Prof. Johnson: johnsoncolin@smccd.edu