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Curriculum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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curriculum

[kəˈrɪkjʊləm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

Synonyms

course of study, program, syllabus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curriculum

Used to refer to the set of courses, and their content, offered at a school or university. It is a comprehensive term that includes all aspects of the education process.

  • The school council approved the new science curriculum.
  • She designed the entire curriculum for the middle school.
syllabus

Used to detail the contents of a specific course, including the topics to be covered, the assignments, and the evaluation methods. It is more detailed and specific than a curriculum.

  • The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.
  • According to the syllabus, the final exam will be held on December 15th.
program

Refers to a structured set of courses and experiences provided by an educational institution, usually over a specific period of time. It can be used outside the educational context as well to mean a set of planned activities.

  • The university offers a program in international relations.
  • She enrolled in a two-year master's program.
course of study

Often used to describe a specific sequence of courses or a particular set of classes that are part of a larger curriculum.

  • He completed his course of study in computer science.
  • Her course of study includes both mandatory and elective subjects.

Examples of usage

  • The school offers a diverse curriculum including math, science, and history.
  • The curriculum for the new semester includes a focus on literature and art.
Context #2 | Noun

workplace

The set of courses or a plan of study on a particular subject, usually leading to an academic qualification.

Synonyms

course, program, study plan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curriculum

A general term for the structured set of courses and their content offered by a school, college, or university.

  • The school's curriculum includes science, mathematics, and history.
  • The university revised its curriculum to include more technology courses.
program

A set of courses or related academic experiences that lead to a degree or certification.

  • He enrolled in the MBA program at the university.
  • The nursing program requires both classroom and hands-on clinical training.
course

Refers to a single unit of instruction in a specific subject, typically lasting a semester or term.

  • She is taking a course in organic chemistry this semester.
  • The online course in digital marketing was very insightful.
study plan

An individualized plan created by a student or advisor outlining the courses and study schedule needed to achieve academic goals.

  • Her study plan includes time for both lectures and independent research.
  • Creating a study plan helped him manage his time more effectively during the semester.

Examples of usage

  • She completed her curriculum in business administration at the university.
  • The company offers a specialized curriculum for employees seeking professional development.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education Systems

  • Countries often have different curriculums, reflecting their unique cultures and values in education.
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized curriculum that encourages critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

Influential Theories

  • Progressive education emphasizes a curriculum that adapts to students' interests and societal needs.
  • The idea of hidden curriculum refers to the lessons learned in school that are not part of the official curriculum, like social skills or values.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, references to schools often focus on the challenges and variety of curriculums students face, like in TV shows and movies.
  • Documentaries about education sometimes explore the impact of different curriculums on students' success and engagement.

Technological Influence

  • With the rise of online learning, many curriculums have adapted to include digital literacy and technology skills as essential components.
  • The use of gamification in curriculums has made learning more engaging by incorporating game elements into educational content.

Origin of 'curriculum'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally from the Latin word 'curriculum,' meaning 'a running' or 'racecourse,' emphasizing the path of education.
  • The term began to be used in education in the early 19th century to describe organized courses of study.

The word 'curriculum' originated from the Latin word 'currere' which means 'to run' or 'to proceed'. In the 19th century, it was first used in the context of education to refer to the subjects taught in a course of study. Over time, the concept of curriculum has evolved to encompass not just the subjects taught, but also the methods and goals of education.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,705, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.