1-We're interested in names, links of anyone who has an alternative to the dry-as-dust syllabus format. @nemersonian and I plan to feature amazing comics syllabi of Lynda Barry and @Nsousa in “Transforming.Every Classroom "(HUP, exp. 2022. ) Looking for models in other fields.

2-Educators complain "Students never read the syllabus" but they look like Terms of Service Agreements, designed not to be read. The form shouts "Nothing new or interesting here; same old, same old!" We'd love inspiring models to imagine a livelier way to start a lively course.

3-My syllabi (btw) look dull too! I think next class I'll ask students how THEY would present material in a way to spark excitement. I have them help build my courses but haven't before asked their ideas about presenting them in the initial document every student receives... Hmm!

4-Even if it were a cover that offered a glimpse of the challenging ideas, problems, perspectives ahead, then an efficient schedule, even addenda with the necessary rules and resources. What could that look like?

5-I can't believe there aren't great examples out there, somewhere. Our book challenges pretty much everything about everything we do, inc what we hand out on the first day of class @nemersonian

6-Given how many hours academics spend agonizing over syllabi, it's fascinating to me that so few of us deviate from the deadly format even a little! Everything we know about media tells us this is counter-productive, uninspiring, a symbol of dullness. Why? Why?

7-Most frequent push back I get: engaging, inviting syllabus doesn't look as serious as endless, dull, formulaic, unoriginal traditional one. Whew. About what else that we value would we make such a comment? What does it say ab our self-esteem if "dull" "unreadable" = "rigor"?