Arteries, Movie Trailers, and Wedding Cakes: Crafting the Perfect Course Syllabus Presented by: Elizabeth Wells, Music, Mount Allison University Shannon Murray, English, UPEI So much depends upon the course syllabus: or so it seems. Whether it represents our hopes and dreams or our bad past experiences, a syllabus can help focus the instructor’s planning and give the student a sense of direction. But could it do more? This interactive workshop explores our guiding metaphors for the syllabus and asks participants to re-envision the syllabus as a powerful teaching tool, not simply a student/teacher contract. Participants will look at the traditional and sometime obligatory elements of the syllabus, its length, arrangement, tone, and level. We’ll present some of the research on university requirements, on instructor practice, and on student reception, and we’ll explore the idea of the syllabus as a student / learning-centred document – and as evidence of good teaching. This session is designed to help new teachers (and experienced teachers seeking renewal) to explore what a syllabus can be -- and what it can't -- and to re-imagine the syllabus as a tool for life-long learning. No need to register, just show up! Location: RL 235