Difference between a syllabus and a curriculum

The term ‘syllabus’ and ‘curriculum’ are basically connected with education and teaching learning activities. There are, however, several conflicting views on just what it is that distinguishes ‘Syllabus Design’ from ‘Curriculum Development’. In defining syllabus, two types of approaches are involved- broad and narrow. The narrow view draws a clear distinction between syllabus design and methodology. The broad view argues with the advent of communicative language teaching.

Now we will discuss the relationship between ‘syllabus’ and ‘curriculum’ in the light of the following three types of attitudes that many linguists and researchers hold:

             I.      They are distinct and separate.

          II.      They are synonymous.

       III.      They are interrelated.

        I) A curriculum is separate and different from a syllabus. A suitable and clear definition of the two terms is provided in A. M. Shaw’s survey: ‘The curriculum includes goals, objectives, contents, processes, resources and means of evaluation of all learning experiences planned for pupils.’ He then defines ‘syllabus’ as ‘a statement of the plan for any part of the curriculum, excluding the element of the curriculum evaluation itself.’

Widdowson and Brumfit (1984) assign ‘syllabus’ and ‘curriculum’ two statuses: ‘A curriculum is an all-inclusive term, has a very general goal. It entails planning, implementation, evaluation, management, administration of education programs and so on. On the other hand, syllabus is a localized term, has a specific objective and focuses more narrowly on the selection and grading of contents.’

II) In North America, the term ‘syllabus’ is used interchangeably with ‘curriculum’. Breen and Candlin (1984) say that ‘A syllabus’ contents and objectives, like curriculum, includes learning experiences and evaluation. That is, they make no distinction between syllabus and curriculum and employ the same concept.’ However, the idea of synonymity is not logically based and very convincing.

III) Some linguists conceive of syllabus as a vehicle of implementing curriculum. Conversely, a proper syllabus reflects the shadow of a comprehensive curriculum. So, they are interconnected.

To sum up, syllabus design is one aspect of curriculum development but is not identical with it. A syllabus is a specification of the content of a course of instruction and lists what will be taught and tested. Curriculum development is a more comprehensive process than syllabus design.