Elements of a syllabus
lBasic course information
lCourse name/number, credits
lCourse meeting times/locations
lContact information - phone, office, e-mail
lOffice hours for professor (and  TAs)
lTextbooks/Readings to be used
lOther resources used (e.g., online)
lCourse prerequisites
lCourse description (detailed)
l
The first major set of elements that should be included are basic course information
This includes the course name, and #, the number of credits (this will be helpful to students who might transfer, and need their syllabus evaluated somewhere else)
Course meeting time and location – this was something I didn’t think to put on my syllabus at first, but I find it helps students (and me on the first day, since I inevitably forget where the heck I’m teaching!)

Contact information should be included as well. How and where can they get a hold of you? When? Are you going to give your home phone or just your work phone? Do you ever check your e-mail? Your phone? What’s your preferred method of contact?

If at all possible, establish your office hours BEFORE the term begins. If students don’t know when you are going to be in your office, they won’t come to see you. I put my office hours on and then “or by appointment” and explain to students that I realize that some people will have conflicts with my office hours and I’m happy to make appointments. But official office hours eases your life and theirs.

Information about texts and other resources should be listed.

Finally, a detailed course description so students know what they’re getting into and any prerequisites. This helps students figure out if they belong.