Curriculum

Noun

Definition: The subjects comprising a course of study in an educational institution.

Definition: All the courses of study offered by an educational institution or department.

Synonyms: Syllabus, Program, Course outline

Antonyms: Informal education, Self-directed learning

Examples:

The curriculum for the history major includes courses in ancient civilizations, world wars, and modern history.
The university's curriculum is well-rounded and offers a variety of subjects to choose from.

Mnemonics:

Think of "curric" as a shortened form of "curricular," meaning related to a course of study.

Etymology:

Origin:

Latin "currere" (to run) + Old French "cul" (hill)

Historical Usage:

The word "curriculum" originated in the 1820s in the educational context to refer to a course of study. It has been used extensively since then and has become a common term in the field of education.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Hidden curriculum"

Explanation:

Refers to the unintentional lessons or values that students learn from the educational environment, beyond the explicit curriculum.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "curriculum" and "syllabus" interchangeably.

Explanation:

While the curriculum refers to the entire set of courses and subjects, the syllabus is a document that outlines the specific content, objectives, and assessment methods for an individual course.