4. Required materials
This might be one of the most important parts of the syllabus. It lists what you need to be successful in the course. It will tell which materials are required, meaning you MUST have them, and which are suggested or optional. Likely there will be a cost for some or all the materials. Sometimes your financial aid will cover this cost, but sometimes it will not. If you're not sure, you should contact the Financial Aid department in your school. Sometimes the campus bookstore might also have this information.
Materials might include some or all of the following:
Materials might include some or all of the following:
- Textbook(s). If your professor specifies a specific edition of the book, make sure that you check with the professor before buying or renting an older version. The reason for this is that an older edition of your textbook might not have all the materials the professor will require for the course. If there is an ebook available, check with your professor if you will be allowed to use an electronic device during class as doing so may go against classroom policy. If the textbook is listed as REQUIRED, then you might assume you have to bring the book with you to class, especially if you had an assignment in it due that day.
- Textbook websites. You may need a code to sign-up for the electronic portion of the textbook. It may be associated with a physical textbook and have exercises and other tools on it, or your textbook may be integrated into the website. You will need a reliable internet connection and access to a computer to access these materials.
- Tools. This may include special calculators, drawing implements, special notebooks, etc.
- Notebook. Some professors are specific about the kind of notebook they'd like you to use, while others may be fine with you taking notes on your laptop.