An overview of the stages of development of the Iraqi English language curriculum

Abstract

Abstract English language has been an essential component in the Iraqi curriculum that has undergone numerous changes over the last century. The curriculum witnessed many different stages of development due to the continuous cultural and political necessities. This paper sheds light on the key stages of the curriculum development for the period between 1921- 2020, which witnessed five stages of development prior to the current curriculum introduction. The paper shows how the curriculum changed and it examines whether correct procedures were followed and what lessons were learnt moving forward. It presents a new understanding of the Iraqi procedures of the constant educational change and provides useful information about the education dilemma that the Iraqi system has been through. In addition, the paper briefly sheds some light on the period of time prior to the 1921 as a background history for the main subject matter.