What is the Difference Between Syllabus and Curriculum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a syllabus and a curriculum lies in their scope and focus. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
- Syllabus: A syllabus is a detailed content plan for a particular subject, focusing on the topics, objectives, and requirements of a specific course. It outlines the subjects and topics covered in the course of study, providing a descriptive overview of the course. A syllabus is flexible and may change during the study process based on the professor's discretion.
- Curriculum: A curriculum refers to the overall set of courses, objectives, and educational experiences that make up a program of study. It encompasses the entire educational program, including multiple courses and interrelations. A curriculum is more standardized and serves as a general, global strategy for the educational institution.
In summary, a syllabus is focused on a specific subject or course, providing detailed information about what will be taught, while a curriculum is a broader plan that outlines the learning objectives, scope, and sequence of courses for a program of study.
Comparative Table: Syllabus vs Curriculum
Here is a table outlining the differences between a syllabus and a curriculum:
| Feature | Syllabus | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Narrow, focused on a specific subject | Wide, covers the entire course or program |
| Meaning | A summary of topics or units to be taught in a course | A set of guidelines for the overall content of a course or program |
| Uniformity | Varies from one teacher to another | Uniform for all teachers |
| Term Duration | Fixed term, typically a year | Lasts until the course is completed |
| Set by | Exam board or professor | Government or educational institution |
| Definition | A document containing topics or portions covered in a particular subject | A general, standardized description of study units for an educational institution |
| Purpose | Organizes the relationship between professors and students within a specific course | Organizes the proper relationship between professors and students within an entire course or program |
In summary, a syllabus is a detailed content plan for a particular subject, while a curriculum provides an overarching framework for an entire course or program. A syllabus is focused on the content and requirements of a specific course, whereas a curriculum outlines the overall content and structure of a course or program.
- Curriculum vs Scheme of Work
- Curriculum vs Program
- Curriculum vs Instruction
- CV (Curriculum vitae) vs Resume
- Unit Plan vs Lesson Plan
- Tyler vs Wheeler Model of Curriculum
- Term vs Semester
- Teaching vs Learning
- School vs Education
- Agenda vs Itinerary
- Education vs Schooling
- CBSE vs ICSE
- Seminar vs Lecture
- Summary vs Synopsis
- Criteria vs Criterion
- Education vs Learning
- Semantic vs Syntactic
- Teaching Methods vs Teaching Strategies
- Study Skills vs Study Methods