ENGLISH
REFERENCE

curriculum

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kɝˈɪkjəɫəm// UK //kʌɹˈɪkjʊləm// cur·ricu·lum Archaic General-service

n. the group of subjects or the plan of study used by a school or college. It covers everything students are expected to learn in a specific course.

n. the aggregate of courses of study given in a school, college, or university. Often refers to the structured set of learning outcomes and content designed to be delivered within a specific educational program.


SIMPLE

The school is adding coding to the primary curriculum.

CONTEXTUAL

The history department updated the curriculum to include more diverse perspectives on the industrial revolution.

COMPLEX

Standardized testing often forces teachers to prioritize the core curriculum over elective subjects that might foster more creative thinking in the classroom.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin curriculum (“course”), derived from currō (“run, move quickly”). Doublet of curricle.

Usage

The plural form is either 'curricula' (formal/academic) or 'curriculums' (standard).

Pitfall

the curriculums of the school are...the curriculum of the school is...Learners often use the plural form when referring to a single school's unified program of study.

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