ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ways in which curricula have been conceptualised in higher education. Most applications for any type of employment require a curriculum vitae: the standard document summarising major life achievements and literally meaning a "course of life". The information presented on a curriculum vitae is selected from an array of possibilities, recast into a simplified but instructional form. Even nonspecialists will understand the basics of a well-drafted curriculum document. Most academics, when questioned about the meaning of the term curriculum, would probably imagine a plan, outline or syllabus for a module or other unit of instruction within a degree programme. Strong classification and framing suggests that there is less contestation over the knowledge and teaching methods deemed to be appropriate within a curriculum. Curriculum developers are increasingly orienting their efforts towards national frameworks or international standards. An online curriculum "package", for instance, can be delivered or even sold online as if it were a package holiday.
