This guidebook is designed to help graduate teaching assistants plan a college course more effectively and efficiently. It is based on information from instructors in community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and universities regarding how they plan their courses. Course planning considerations are presented, sequenced generally in the manner used by faculty. A checklist at the end of the book summarizes the key course planning issues addressed. General teaching guidelines are offered concerning such issues as test construction and strategies to improve class discussions. Certain key resources on curriculum and learning theory are noted. After an introduction, the guide identifies 10 course planning steps: (1) define educational purposes, (2) set course goals, (3) select course content, (4) arrange course content, (5) consider student goals and characteristics, (6) choose instructional modes, (7) select readings and activities, (8) write a syllabus, (9) plan to get student feedback, and (10) seek advice from colleagues and experts. A final section encourages improved course planning. A bibliography listing about 15 books and about 100 periodicals is included. (SM)