A syllabus is a written guide for a class. It usually explains what the course covers, what students are expected to do, how grades are calculated, which materials are required, and when important assignments or exams are due.
Why a syllabus matters
The syllabus helps students understand the class before the work begins. It can show weekly topics, attendance rules, late-work policies, office hours, required books, grading percentages, and the instructor's contact details.
Syllabus versus curriculum
A curriculum is the broader plan for what learners should study across a subject or program. A syllabus is usually narrower: it describes one specific course or class section.
In simple terms, the syllabus is the document students keep checking when they ask, "What is due, what counts, and what are we learning next?"