THE CONCEPT OF CURRICULUM: ETYMOLOGY, HISTORICAL EVOLUTION, AND MEANINGS
THE CONCEPT OF CURRICULUM: ETYMOLOGY, HISTORICAL EVOLUTION, AND MEANINGS

Summary/Abstract: The concept of curriculum represents one of the most complex and debated constructs in educational theory, due to its continuous semantic expansion and the diversity of theoretical perspectives associated with it. This article explores the etymological origins, historical evolution, and major meanings of the curriculum concept, highlighting the transition from a narrow, content-oriented interpretation to a broad, integrative understanding. Particular attention is given to the contributions of classical curriculum theorists and to the development of modern curriculum theory, which emphasizes learning experiences acquired in formal, non-formal, and informal contexts. The paper also addresses the dual interpretation of curriculum within the Romanian educational system, as both a regulatory framework and a comprehensive set of learning experiences. The analysis underscores the role of curriculum as a pedagogical construct that integrates educational objectives, contents, instructional strategies, and evaluation processes, aiming at the holistic development of the learner.

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