curriculum
kuh-RIK-yoo-lum
/kəˈrɪkjələm/
The total sequence of courses and educational content offered by an educational institution.
Refers to the structured design of academic studies and learning requirements across an entire program.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'curriculum' was a chariot racecourse that runners and horses sped around. In the late 16th century, Scottish and Dutch universities began applying the chariot race metaphor to education: a student's degree pathway was seen as an academic racecourse to be run from start to finish.
Word relationships
- syllabus: A syllabus is an outline for a single course, while a curriculum represents the entire course of study for a degree.
- program of study: A plain descriptive term, whereas curriculum focuses on pedagogical architecture and educational philosophy.
Commonly confused with
- syllabus: Syllabus = outline of one class; Curriculum = overall framework of courses across a department or university.
Word family
- curricular (adjective): Relating to a curriculum.
- extra-curricular (adjective): Activities pursued in addition to normal course of study.
Collocations
- core curriculum
- curriculum development
- curriculum design
- revised curriculum
Example sentences
- "The academic senate approved a revised core curriculum that emphasizes data science and ethical reasoning." Academic reform
- "Designing an inclusive curriculum requires careful selection of diverse historical perspectives." Pedagogical policy
Memory hook
A CURRICULUM is an academic racecourse where students RUN (currere) toward graduation. The educational racecourse of study.
When not to use
In North American English, do not confuse with a resume unless explicitly written as 'curriculum vitae'.
Fun facts
- The plural of curriculum can be either 'curricula' (Latin traditional) or 'curriculums' (modern English), though 'curricula' remains preferred in formal academic writing.
Related words
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