Handouts and checklists

On this page you will find various documents that you can use when preparing your courses and working with your students. The documents are available to you as PDF files and as editable text files, so that individual adaptations and changes are possible.

The preparation and start of a course are essential for the further course and the learning success of the students. This handout guides you step by step through the planning of a course and gives you tips for organising the first course session.

In a syllabus, instructors communicate everything important for the course to their students, explain expectations and requirements and provide orientation for the learning process. If the syllabus is comprehensively prepared, it can be referred to in case of questions instead of having to answer every student enquiry.

Here you will find a template that you can use to create your syllabus. Select the sections and text modules that make sense for your course.

Some examples and templates that have been used at other universities can be found here:

  • Syllbus template, created by Dr Julia Lutz and Prof Mark Hengerer, LMU
  • Example from the Institute for Integrative Studies at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
  • Example from the Institute for Management and Organisation at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
  • Sample syllabus, created by Kelly Perez, University of North Texas

The University of Graz has set itself the goal of promoting social, economic and ecological sustainability in all its areas of activity. Staff and students are encouraged to integrate sustainable practices into their daily work and study routines, to actively contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources and promoting environmentally friendly behaviour. With a sustainability statement, you can encourage students to develop an awareness of sustainable living and working practices. Use the document for your syllabus or elsewhere.

The University of Graz offers students a wide range of free support and counselling services, from individual coaching to writing and methodological advice to self-empowerment. All offers have been compiled and linked on one page. Share this information with your students, who are often unaware of these services.