I like your succinct definition, Harold.

An alternative might be.......

A 'curriculum' is the lead weight that is tied to the legs of all those who aspire to knowing more about themselves, their world and life itself. Those who suffer the torture of the 'curriculum' have, invariably, previously been bound tightly with 'courses' and 'programmes'. The combination of these three antiquated tools of torture sucks most aspiration, and often life itself, out of 99% of those to whom they are applied..

Charles :)