Define the concepts of 'Curriculum', 'syllabus' and 'course' And also explain the differences among them with examples

`Curriculum', 'syllabus' and 'course' are entirely distinct and different concepts. They cannot be used interchangeably. They are not synonymous in meaning and usage as some people consider them identical. The differences among these concepts are discussed here under :-

Curriculum :- 

Curriculum is a sum total of the activities which are executed for the acquisition of the broader objectives of education. These activities include both the curricular and co-curricular activities. What do we wish to make a nation? This requires a particular curriculum to be developed and presented to the new generation. Curriculum consists of all these things which are necessary to reach the destiny. The future of a nation is associated with the curriculum developed for the people of a nation.

Syllabus :- 

Syllabus refers to a list of topics and books that the students study in a particular subject at school. • Syllabus refers to a list of topics which is prepared for success in public examination. • The syllabus is, in fact, a detailed document of the topic of a subject. That is why : some experts hold that syllabus is a list of topics to be taught to the students.

Course :- 

Course refers to the details of topics described in the syllabus. All the sub-topics of a topic are mentioned in it. • Course refers to any of the separate units of instruction in a subject made up of lectures. • Course refers to a series of lesions or lectures on a particular subject. • Course is a mirror which tells us the number of lessons, instruction duration and supporting concepts required for instruction of a topic. The differences among curriculum, syllabus and course are discussed in the following table.

Differences among `Curriculum', 'syllabus' and 'course :-

Curriculum :-

1. Curriculum includes all those activities and learning experiences Which are provided to the students for the acquisition of the objectives of education.
2. Curriculum is concerned only with the acquisition of the objectives of a particular level of education.
3. Curriculum is concerned with all those objectives for which curriculum is developed.
4. The different syllabuses bring about the fulfillment of the objectives of curriculum.
5. Curriculum includes both curricular and co-curricular activities. 
6. Curriculum is a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of the objectives of education.
7. The different Syllabuses make a body of subjects. Then, this body of subjects is presented in terms of curricular activities.

Syllabus :-

1. Syllabus refers to a list of topics of a subject.
2. Syllabus throws light on the instructional material to be taught to the students for the acquisition of the objectives of a particular subject of a particular level of education.
3. Syllabus is concerned with the objectives of a particular subject.
4. Syllabus is a part of Curriculum. Different syllabuses make a curriculum.
5. Syllabus is concerned only with the curricular activities.
6. Only the objectives of a particular subject are explained in a syllabus.
7. Syllabus consists of many topics.

Course :-

1. Course includes the details of the topics. It throws light on the sub-topics and other supporting concepts of a topic likely to be instructed.
2. Course seeks guidance from syllabus. The sub-topics of a course strive for the fulfillment of the objectives of a syllabus.
3. Course strives for the acquisition of the objectives of a syllabus.
4. Course is concerned with sub-topics. They organize themselves in terms of a syllabus.
5. Course explains all the components of the curricular activities.
6. Course points out the activities necessary for the acquisition of a particular topic.
7. A topic is composed of many sub-topics.