Center for Excellence in TeachingEngaging students
Active learning strategies, its basis in learning theories, flipped courses, and student motivation.
Resources: Hybrid
Effective direct instruction
The development and delivery of course content, including principles of multimedia instruction, flipped resources, and inclusivity.
Core principles of instruction
Foundational teaching principles, including course design, learning objectives, course alignment, assessment, and lesson structure.
Challenging discussions 7: Evaluation of efforts
Methods of evaluating the effectiveness of academic discussions and increasing their impact on students.
Challenging discussions 6: Managing upset
Strategies for addressing students who become upset during academic discussions
Challenging discussions 5: Lead a challenging discussion
Techniques for leading academic discussions, including defining terms, including all voices, and warning signs that a discussion is becoming challenging.
Challenging discussions 4: Plan a challenging discussion
Strategies for planning class discussions, including a positive class atmosphere, discussion norms, grading discussions, and acceptable sources of information.
Challenging discussions 3: Speaking about race and gender
Strategies to consider when discussing topics such as race and gender in classes.
Challenging discussions 1: Welcome and introduction
An introduction to the CET Challenging Discussions series and the principles guiding its development.
USC Syllabus Template
This editable USC syllabus template has been significantly revised based on feedback, updated template guidance, and enhancements to student support information. All faculty are encouraged to use the new template for upcoming courses.
Highlights of the revision include:
- Updated guidance throughout the template with suggestions and resources for developing your syllabus.
- Revised guidance on academic integrity, including required syllabus language and adaptable AI policy examples.
- An updated Statement on University Academic and Support Systems with expanded resources and revised language.
Using this template helps ensure course materials reflect current university guidance, include the required Statement on University Academic and Support Systems, and communicate consistent, accurate information to students. Please check with your program or department for any additional syllabus requirements.
Revised September 2026