What is Curriculum?
A '''curriculum''' (plural: curricula) is a program of study. It is used to plan [[teaching]] or training. It spells out the details so others can know what is going to happen: #what topics will be taught #in which order they will be taught #often, how much time will be spent on each topic #it is often linked to a timetable, and other details of an organisation where it will take place #it is often authorised by a public or private [[examination]] board, and used as the basis for setting exams Today it usually means the courses, their content, and the coursework offered at a school or university. Often, curricula are backed by some kind of theory, or by intending to change what was done before.<ref>Shipman M.D; Bolam D.W. & Jenkins D.R 1974. ''Inside a curriculum project: a case study in the process of curriculum change''. London: Methuen. {{ISBN|0-416-78040-7}}</ref> Curricula may be backed by [[textbook]]s and by courses to train teachers. The study of curricula is part of most qualifications for teachers. A similar word is '''syllabus''', which means a summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or book or [[lecture]]. Another term is [[wikt:discipline|discipline]], which in this sense means an academic subject-matter. == Historical development == Historically, curricula have done more than act as a background for syllabi and examinations. They have discussed the basis of teaching by taking account of: #the [[psychology]] of children, especially younger children.<ref>Pressey, Sidney L. 1933. ''Psychology and the new education''. New York: Harper & Brothers.</ref> #the needs of society, including the needs of employers.<ref>Bobbitt, John Franklin. 1918. ''The curriculum''. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.</ref> #the growth in [[knowledge]], for example in science #the balance between education and training #the legal status of the education, for example whether the [[education]] is voluntary or mandatory The four questions asked by Tylor in his introductory text are generally regarded as fu