Patterns that emerged from reviewing syllabi for courses on the American college student are discussed, and two sample syllabi are presented. These courses are offered as part of graduate level studies in the field of higher education administration. Five major objectives of courses on the college student are identified. In general, the objective of courses on the college students are to increase understanding of today's American college students by reviewing: demographic data about college students; the changing relationships of students to colleges over the past 15-20 years; the nature of student communities, including nontraditional and minority groups; and the impact of college on students and their sociopsychological development. Demographic trends of interest include age, academic aptitude, race, religion, ethnology, social attitudes, socioeconomic background, and career expectations. Other specific areas of study include: legal and ethical bases of student control and independence in the American college; types and sources of research and literature on student development theory; and the impact of the college experience on students. Nine readings that were cited most often for use in courses about the college student are identified. Sample syllabi from two institutions are presented. A list of members of the course syllabi network is included. (SW)