Syllabi vs. Syllabus — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Syllabi is the plural of Syllabus, which is an outline or summary of the main points of a course of study or textbook.
Difference Between Syllabi and Syllabus
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Key Differences
Syllabi and Syllabus are terms that pertain to education. A Syllabus represents an outline or a summary of topics covered in a specific course. Syllabi, on the other hand, are multiple such outlines.
When discussing a single course, one refers to the Syllabus. For instance, a teacher might say, "Please review the Syllabus for any questions about grading." But when talking about several courses, Syllabi becomes the appropriate term.
A Syllabus is valuable because it provides students with a clear understanding of what's expected in a course, including important dates, topics, and assignments. On the other hand, when someone talks about the Syllabi of a department, they're referring to the outlines for all courses within that department.
In everyday conversation, you'll often hear educators mention the Syllabus at the beginning of a course to set expectations. Syllabi, being plural, is less commonly used but might be heard in administrative settings or when referring to curriculum planning.
Lastly, it's worth noting that both Syllabi and Syllabus derive from Latin. The term Syllabus originated from a list or a label, while Syllabi naturally followed as its plural counterpart.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Plural
Singular
Usage
Refers to outlines of multiple courses
Refers to the outline of a single course
Common Context
Curriculum discussions, administrative settings
Classroom settings, specific course discussions
Origin
Latin (plural form)
Latin (singular form)
Function
Represents multiple course summaries
Represents one course's summary
Compare with Definitions
Syllabi
Lists of topics covered in a series of lectures.
Students often request Syllabi before the semester starts to prepare in advance.
Syllabus
An outline of an academic course.
Check the Syllabus for the list of required readings.
Syllabi
Summaries of main points across different courses.
The faculty is working to synchronize the Syllabi for consistency.
Syllabus
A summary of main points in a course of study.
The Syllabus provides a week-by-week breakdown of topics.
Syllabi
Multiple outlines of academic courses.
The department revamped their Syllabi for the next academic year.
Syllabus
A guide to what will be taught in a class.
The professor handed out the Syllabus on the first day.
Syllabi
Collective educational frameworks for multiple classes.
The Syllabi for these programs are comprehensive and detailed.
Syllabus
A document outlining the structure of a specific course.
According to the Syllabus, there's a quiz next week.
Syllabi
Sets of guidelines for several subjects.
She compared the Syllabi of three institutions before choosing one.
Syllabus
An overview of subjects to be covered during an academic term.
The new Syllabus includes more practical exercises.
Syllabi
A plural of syllabus.
Syllabus
A syllabus (; plural syllabuses or syllabi) or specification is a document that communicates information about a specific course and defines expectations and responsibilities. It is generally narrower in scope than a curriculum.
Syllabus
The subjects in a course of study or teaching
The history syllabus
There isn't time to cover the syllabus
Syllabus
(in the Roman Catholic Church) a summary of points decided by papal decree regarding heretical doctrines or practices.
Syllabus
An outline or a summary of the main points of a text, lecture, or course of study.
Syllabus
(Law) A summary or abstract of the legal rulings contained in a published judicial case opinion.
Syllabus
(education) A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.
Syllabus
(law) The headnote of a reported case; the brief statement of the points of law determined prefixed to a reported case.
Syllabus
A compendium containing the heads of a discourse, and the like; an abstract.
Syllabus
The headnote of a reported case; the brief statement of the points of law determined prefixed to a reported case. The opinion controls the syllabus, the latter being merely explanatory of the former.
Syllabus
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Common Curiosities
Is a Syllabus just about topics in a course?
No, a Syllabus often includes topics, assignments, grading policies, and more.
Are Syllabi and Syllabus related terms?
Yes, Syllabi is the plural of Syllabus.
Is the term Syllabi commonly used?
It's less common than Syllabus but used when discussing multiple courses.
Do all courses have a Syllabus?
Most formal educational courses provide a Syllabus to guide instruction.
Are Syllabi only used in academic settings?
Primarily, though training programs outside academia might also use the term.
When should I use Syllabus?
Use Syllabus when referring to the outline of a single course.
Can Syllabi be used for just two course outlines?
Yes, Syllabi is the plural form and can be used for two or more outlines.
How long is a typical Syllabus?
Length varies, but a Syllabus typically spans several pages.
Why are Syllabi important in education?
Syllabi provide a roadmap for courses, setting clear expectations for students.
Can a Syllabus be changed once given?
While a Syllabus sets expectations, instructors might update it with notice.
Is it essential to review a Syllabus at the start of a course?
Absolutely. It helps students understand course expectations and structure.
Are there electronic versions of Syllabi?
Yes, many institutions now offer Syllabi online.
Can students contribute to a Syllabus?
While rare, some educators involve students in shaping the Syllabus.
Can one school's Syllabi be vastly different from another's?
Yes, Syllabi can differ based on the institution's goals, resources, and methodologies.
What's the origin of the word Syllabus?
It originates from Latin, referring to a list or label.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
