The Best Syllabus Ever

From The Atlantic, "'I urge you to drop E67-02': Course Syllabi by Famous Authors" 

I've been thinking recently about the things that make teachers trust their bosses and, by extension, what makes students trust their teachers.  Beyond the basics about making sure that the classroom is safe and welcoming, I think that students build trust for teachers when they are competent and organized.  Beyond that, and a bunch of other things, like wanting to help students become their best selves, I think that it's about striving to make the content of the class interesting and interesting.

If we want students to trust us -- in the kind of way that's going to build a class atmosphere where everyone's will to work together and work hard  -- we have to think about whether our class is going to be a drag or a joy.

When you see Lynda Barry's syllabus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you immediately want to take her class.  It's whimsical yet serious, playful and clear.  It's rich with ideas, and the important class introductory information is there - attendance policy, grading policy, homework.  It's all served with joy.   It's fun, and it seems as though Barry enjoyed herself in creating this syllabus.  (I just found out that she puts assignments (even cooler!) on Tumblr.)

If I received this syllabus on the first day, I would be thinking:  what will she have in store for me next time?

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You can find a number of other syllabi from writers over here at The Atlantic.  There are plenty of other examples of classes that playful, rich,  and inviting.  See, especially, the "aims of the course" section on David Foster Wallace's syllabus.  There are a couple counter examples, too.

(same as above)