Syllabus vs. Curriculum — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 24, 2023
A syllabus outlines specific content and topics for a course; a curriculum is an overall educational program or plan spanning multiple courses. The syllabus is detailed; the curriculum is broad.
Difference Between Syllabus and Curriculum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A syllabus is a detailed document that breaks down what will be covered in a specific course or class. It often lists readings, assignments, topics, objectives, and even grading criteria. This detailed guide provides both the instructor and the students a roadmap of what to expect throughout the duration of the course. In many academic settings, instructors provide students with a syllabus at the beginning of a course, setting clear expectations and guidelines.
In contrast, a curriculum encompasses a broader scope. It refers to the entire educational program or content offered at an institution or in a specific program, including all the courses and the content within those courses. A curriculum is more than just the sum of its courses; it's an integrated program designed to ensure that students achieve specific knowledge and skills by the end of their study.
While a syllabus is specific to a single course, a curriculum is an overarching plan detailing educational goals across multiple courses or grade levels. For instance, a university might have a curriculum for its biology program, encompassing several courses, each with its syllabus. The curriculum outlines the program's overall objectives, while the syllabi give specifics for each course.
It's essential to understand that the syllabus and curriculum, while related, serve different purposes. The syllabus ensures students and instructors remain on track within a course, providing a detailed layout of topics and tasks. Meanwhile, the curriculum offers a comprehensive view of an educational program, focusing on broader learning objectives and outcomes.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Specific to one course
Encompasses entire educational program
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Detail
Detailed outline of course content and expectations
Broad overview of educational objectives
Duration
Relevant for the duration of a single course
Spans multiple courses or grade levels
Content
Topics, readings, assignments
Overall learning goals and course listings
Purpose
Guide for instructors and students for a course
Framework for an educational program
Compare with Definitions
Syllabus
A detailed outline for a course.
The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.
Curriculum
The entirety of courses offered in an educational program.
The university's arts curriculum is quite extensive.
Syllabus
A roadmap for a specific academic course.
The syllabus showed the topics to be covered each week.
Curriculum
The sum of learning experiences in an institution.
The school revamped its curriculum to be more inclusive.
Syllabus
A tool setting expectations for students in a class.
According to the syllabus, there are three major exams.
Curriculum
A structured framework of educational objectives.
The new curriculum focuses on hands-on learning.
Syllabus
A syllabus (; plural syllabuses or syllabi) or specification is a document that communicates information about a specific course and defines expectations and responsibilities. It is generally narrower in scope than a curriculum.
Curriculum
An integrated program of study.
Students appreciated the well-designed curriculum.
Syllabus
The subjects in a course of study or teaching
The history syllabus
There isn't time to cover the syllabus
Curriculum
A set of courses and content for a specific field or program.
The mathematics curriculum includes both theory and application.
Syllabus
(in the Roman Catholic Church) a summary of points decided by papal decree regarding heretical doctrines or practices.
Curriculum
In education, a curriculum (; plural curricula or curriculums) is broadly defined as the totality of student experiences that occur in the educational process. The term often refers specifically to a planned sequence of instruction, or to a view of the student's experiences in terms of the educator's or school's instructional goals.
Syllabus
An outline or a summary of the main points of a text, lecture, or course of study.
Curriculum
All the courses of study offered by an educational institution.
Syllabus
(Law) A summary or abstract of the legal rulings contained in a published judicial case opinion.
Curriculum
A group of related courses, often in a special field of study
The engineering curriculum.
Syllabus
(education) A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.
Curriculum
The set of courses, coursework, and their content, offered at a school or university.
Syllabus
(law) The headnote of a reported case; the brief statement of the points of law determined prefixed to a reported case.
Curriculum
(obsolete) A racecourse; a place for running.
Syllabus
A compendium containing the heads of a discourse, and the like; an abstract.
Curriculum
A race course; a place for running.
Syllabus
The headnote of a reported case; the brief statement of the points of law determined prefixed to a reported case. The opinion controls the syllabus, the latter being merely explanatory of the former.
Curriculum
A course; particularly, a specified fixed course of study, as in a university.
Syllabus
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Curriculum
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Syllabus
A document detailing topics, readings, and assignments.
Students referred to the syllabus to prepare for the next week.
Syllabus
A guide specifying course objectives and grading.
The grading breakdown was clearly stated in the syllabus.
Common Curiosities
Can one educational program have multiple syllabi?
Yes, each course within a program typically has its own syllabus.
Is a curriculum limited to academic settings?
No, curricula can be found in training programs, workshops, and other educational settings.
Is the curriculum the same as a course listing?
No, while a curriculum includes courses, it also encompasses broader educational goals.
Who typically designs a syllabus?
Often, the course instructor or teacher designs the syllabus.
Is a syllabus broader than a curriculum?
No, a syllabus is specific to one course, while a curriculum covers an entire educational program.
Can a syllabus change during a course?
While a syllabus is meant to be a guide, instructors might adjust it based on various factors.
How detailed is a syllabus?
A syllabus provides detailed information about a course, including topics, assignments, and grading.
Can a student get a syllabus before enrolling in a course?
Often, yes. Many institutions provide syllabi to help students decide on courses.
Who is responsible for creating a curriculum?
Curricula are usually designed by educational boards, institutions, or specialized committees.
Is a curriculum more theoretical than a syllabus?
A curriculum provides an overarching framework, while a syllabus offers practical details for a specific course.
How often is a curriculum updated?
This varies by institution, but curricula are often reviewed and updated to stay relevant.
Does every educational program have a curriculum?
Most formal educational programs have a curriculum to guide learning objectives.
Is a curriculum focused on subjects or skills?
A curriculum can focus on both subjects (like math or history) and skills (like critical thinking).
Where can I find the syllabus for a course?
Syllabi are typically provided by instructors at the start of a course or upon request.
Can there be multiple curricula within one institution?
Yes, institutions often have different curricula for various programs or departments.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
