How to Customize Generic Syllabi

Downloading and Customizing Generic Syllabi

This page talks about the mechanics of retrieving and using a generic syllabus from our department web site. Return to the main generic syllabi page to access and download the syllabi you need. Currently, most of the syllabi are available as both HTML and MS Word files. Instructions for working with each are provided below. As the syllabi are reviewed and updated, all will become available in both formats.

Details about the purposes and required content of Generic Syllabi can be found on About Generic Syllabi. When preparing a generic syllabus for your class, remember to delete the version control information at the end that is for department use only.

Working with a generic syllabus as an HTML file

1.
You can save the HTML version of a generic syllabus from the main generic syllabi page by going to the File menu of your browser and selecting Save to a location on your computer.

2.
You can then use a text editor or an HTML editing tool such as DreamWeaver to customize the syllabus with your own class information. The syllabus will be ready for posting to your class web site.

While it is convenient to have the syllabus ready to post as HTML, the drawback of using this approach is that the file most likely will not print well for distribution on the first day of class.

3.
To convert your HTML file to MS Word, open the file using MS Word. Make any adjustments needed and then save it as a .doc (MS Word document) file.

Working with a generic syllabus as an MS Word file

The most printer-friendly way to customize a generic syllabus is to use the MS Word version provided on the main generic syllabi page.

Saving a copy of the generic syllabus

1.

Before customizing a generic syllabus, it is important first to save a copy of the MS Word version. By saving a copy and then opening it from your own file, you avoid the risk of losing important elements of formatting.

Begin by clicking on the MS Word version of the syllabus you want.

Depending on the operating system and browser you are using, you may immediately see a dialog box that indicates, "Enter Name of File to Save To..."

In this case, just pick your file location and file name. Then click "Save."

Alternatively, you may see the box shown below. In this case, choose "Save it to disk."

Again, it is important that you select the "Save it to disk" option. If you select the option to open the file, your file may lose important formatting features.

Once you have saved the file to your disk, it is advisable to save a second copy under a distinct name as your working file. In this way, you will have the original version of the generic syllabus on your computer for reference in case you run into difficulties with the copy you are customizing for your own class.

Customizing your syllabus

To customize the working file with your own class information simply enter the details for your class.

Remember that the first five sections must remain as is except for entering your name, class number and other class details. See About Generic Syllabi for information about the various sections of the syllabus.

Caution: When entering your own information, you will be dealing with outline numbering and other formatting features. MS Word numbering styles are notorious for being a bit cranky so it is best not to disturb them.

Use the following steps to help keep the syllabus formatting in a stable outline form:

1. When you open your working file, go to the Tools menu.

2.

Select Options.

3.
Click on the View tab.

4.

Under Formatting Marks click All, then click OK.

Now you will be able to see all the paragraph marks, spaces and tabs hidden in the document.

5.
As you type, cut or past in each section be sure to edit the text only by working within the paragraph marks. Do not delete or replace the paragraph marks or tabs.

This will help to assure that the formatting remains intact. However, even if you are careful you may still need to tweak the alignment of certain sections depending on the length and other specifics of the material you have entered.

For further information using the template formatting, see Hints for Formatting in Generic Syllabi.

6.
When you no longer wish to see the formatting marks, repeat the above proceedure. Clicking on the check mark next to ALL will eliminate it. Click OK.

Duplicating and posting your syllabus

When your changes have been completed, go to the File menu and use Print Preview to make certain that your page breaks and other layout features will make sense when printed.

Use Hints About Duplicating to help get handouts printed for the first day of class.

To prepare an MS Word version of your syllabus for your class website, it is easiest to post the Word document to the site without converting it to HTML. Students appreciate this approach because the syllabus will print easily.

Alternatively, you may convert your customized MS Word syllabus to HTML by going to the File menu and selecting Save as Web Page.

Another alternative for posting files to your website is to convert your MS Word file to PDF (Portable Document File). All Oakton computers and most home users have the free Adobe PDF reader. You can include a link to Adobe on your site in case any students lack a Reader on their personal computers.

There are two main advantages of PDF files. First, they cannot be changed easily. Second, everyone's printer will print the pages with margins and breaks exactly as you have created them. (Word files are interpreted by printers in a manner that can cause pagination to vary.)

If your computer has a PDF writer installed, making PDF files is easy:

1. In the open Word document, go to the File menu.

2. Select Print.

3.
Choose the PDF option from the Print dialog box.

The Learning Center on the Des Plaines campus has a computer that can write files to PDF. Contact the Help Desk to find other computers on campus that can print to PDF.

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If you have questions about the Department web pages, please contact Hollace Graff.
Please direct questions or comments about the web site to the Webmaster.

Customizing your syllabus To customize the working file with your own class information simply enter the details for your class. Remember that the first five sections must remain as is except for entering your name, class number and other class details. See About Generic Syllabi for information about the various sections of the syllabus.
Caution: When entering your own information, you will be dealing with outline numbering and other formatting features. MS Word numbering styles are notorious for being a bit cranky so it is best not to disturb them. Use the following steps to help keep the syllabus formatting in a stable outline form:
1.	When you open your working file, go to the Tools menu.
2.	Select Options.
3.	Click on the View tab.
4.	Under Formatting Marks click All, then click OK. Now you will be able to see all the paragraph marks, spaces and tabs hidden in the document.
5.	As you type, cut or past in each section be sure to edit the text only by working within the paragraph marks. Do not delete or replace the paragraph marks or tabs. This will help to assure that the formatting remains intact. However, even if you are careful you may still need to tweak the alignment of certain sections depending on the length and other specifics of the material you have entered. For further information using the template formatting, see Hints for Formatting in Generic Syllabi.
6.	When you no longer wish to see the formatting marks, repeat the above proceedure. Clicking on the check mark next to ALL will eliminate it. Click OK.

Duplicating and posting your syllabus When your changes have been completed, go to the File menu and use Print Preview to make certain that your page breaks and other layout features will make sense when printed.
Use Hints About Duplicating to help get handouts printed for the first day of class.
To prepare an MS Word version of your syllabus for your class website, it is easiest to post the Word document to the site without converting it to HTML. Students appreciate this approach because the syllabus will print easily. Alternatively, you may convert your customized MS Word syllabus to HTML by going to the File menu and selecting Save as Web Page.
Another alternative for posting files to your website is to convert your MS Word file to PDF (Portable Document File). All Oakton computers and most home users have the free Adobe PDF reader. You can include a link to Adobe on your site in case any students lack a Reader on their personal computers. There are two main advantages of PDF files. First, they cannot be changed easily. Second, everyone's printer will print the pages with margins and breaks exactly as you have created them. (Word files are interpreted by printers in a manner that can cause pagination to vary.) If your computer has a PDF writer installed, making PDF files is easy:
1.	In the open Word document, go to the File menu.
2.	Select Print.
3.	Choose the PDF option from the Print dialog box.
The Learning Center on the Des Plaines campus has a computer that can write files to PDF. Contact the Help Desk to find other computers on campus that can print to PDF.

About our Courses	Meet the Faculty	Contact Hollace Graff, Chair
Philosophy & Humanities Resources	Faculty Resources	Department Home

Oakton Home Page	OCC Course Catalog	Credit Course Schedule	Admission
Academic Programs	Registration	Prospective Student Information	Visitor Information