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[ kawrs -wurk , kohrs - ]

  • the work required of a student in a particular course of study; classroom work .
  • curricular studies or academic work .

/ ˈkɔːsˌwɜːk /

  • written or oral work completed by a student within a given period, which is assessed as an integral part of an educational course

Word History and Origins

Origin of coursework 1

Example Sentences

Derek Dodson is practicing with the Georgetown University soccer team for a rescheduled season while preparing for the resumption of senior coursework next week.

In San Diego, and throughout the state, an unconscionable number of students are failing or haven’t completed their coursework.

She took a full load of classes in the spring, summer and fall, and in November completed all the coursework for an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Pevzner, who took over the program in 2017, still heads into the field—though day to day he focuses more on developing coursework and swapping insights with similar programs around the world.

Although most schools have increased their offerings of online coursework, the number and sizes of in-person classes vary widely, as does the density of students in on-campus housing.

Digital art coursework at the Rhode Island School of Design simultaneous with an English Ph.D. at Yale?

Her pre-college education had been weak, and Leo was utterly unprepared for the academic part of the coursework.

An obsession with college preparation permeated all of our coursework.

The ad-hocs spent their time badmouthing the profs and tearing apart their coursework.

Look up a word, learn it forever.

  • noun work assigned to and done by a student during a course of study; usually it is evaluated as part of the student's grade in the course see more see less type of: work activity directed toward making or doing something

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Definition of coursework noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

  • Coursework accounts for 40 per cent of the final marks.

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

Nearby words

what is meaning of course work

What is Coursework?

Table of Contents

what is meaning of course work

Definition and Meaning

So what is coursework? Coursework is an integral part of the educational process, which refers to written or practical tasks that students perform during educational courses. These assignments are typically evaluated and contribute to the final grade or mark. The coursework definition, especially the term “curriculum-mandated” signifies that instructors are required to assign coursework within certain guidelines. This aspect of academic work is crucial as it extends learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.

what is coursework definition

While some coursework may involve practical tasks conducted within the classroom, a significant portion is often completed independently by students, such as in their homes or dormitories. Notably, certain colleges in Texas are adopting policies that mandate a minimum of 20% of writing coursework to be completed in class, under the supervision of educators. This approach ensures the authenticity of students’ work and provides an opportunity for direct observation of their writing skills.

Additionally, it’s common for students to access previously submitted coursework online, serving as a resource for their own assignments. However, when utilizing such materials, it is imperative to thoroughly rewrite and adapt the content to maintain originality and avoid plagiarism.

Types and Examples of Coursework

The many faces of coursework.

So, what is coursework? Coursework isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It morphs to fit the subject, the course, and the learning objectives. Here’s a snapshot:

  • Essays and Written Assignments. From reflective pieces to extensive research papers, these are staples in humanities and social sciences.
  • Lab Reports and Scientific Research. Science and engineering students often get hands-on with experiments, followed by detailed reporting.
  • Art and Design Portfolios. For the creatives, it’s about showcasing their artistic journey through portfolios.
  • Group Projects and Presentations. These emphasize collaboration and communication skills, common in business and management courses.
  • Fieldwork and Case Studies. Especially in disciplines like anthropology or marketing, where real-world application is key.

Examples in Different Fields

  • Biology Coursework. Might involve a lab-based investigation into a specific biological phenomenon.
  • Literature Coursework. Could be an analysis of a particular literary work or a comparative study of multiple pieces.
  • Computer Science Coursework. Often involves coding projects or developing software solutions.

Importance and Objectives

More than just grades.

What is coursework? Coursework is about more than chasing an ‘A’. It’s an integral part of the learning process. Through coursework, you:

  • Develop Critical Skills. Like research, analysis, and problem-solving.
  • Apply Theoretical Knowledge. It’s your chance to use what you’ve learned in a practical context.
  • Prepare for the Future. Whether it’s further academic pursuits or the professional world, coursework lays the groundwork.

Educational Objectives

Graduate coursework, in particular, is designed to deepen expertise in a field. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about developing a sophisticated understanding of complex concepts.

Challenges and Strategies

Common roadblocks.

  • Time Management: Juggling multiple assignments can be overwhelming.
  • Understanding Requirements: Sometimes, assignment briefs are as clear as mud.
  • Maintaining Academic Integrity: The line between inspiration and plagiarism can get blurry.

Navigating the Coursework Maze

  • Start Early: Procrastination is your enemy. Begin as soon as you get the assignment.
  • Seek Clarification: If you’re not sure, ask. Better safe than sorry.
  • Use Resources Wisely: Libraries, online databases, and even study groups can be goldmines.

Helpful Sources

  • Cambridge Dictionary
  • Merriam-Webster
  • Can you attend two colleges at once ?

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, what is coursework? Coursework is an indispensable part of the academic journey. It’s where theory meets practice, where skills are honed, and knowledge is deepened. As education continues to evolve with technology and changing societal needs, so does coursework. It adapts, transforms, and continues to play a crucial role in shaping competent, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world. So, embrace your coursework – it’s not just a stepping stone to a grade, but a pathway to learning, growth, and success.

Coursework: Requirements for an A+ Paper

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  • Icon Calendar 5 July 2024
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  • Icon Clock 19 min read

Academic writing is an essential activity in higher education and comes in various forms. Basically, one of these forms is coursework writing, where instructors assess students’ levels of understanding of a course during a semester. Unlike other papers, coursework assignments evaluate students’ understanding of a particular course and not just a topic in a class. Besides, various forms of coursework writing include essays, term papers, theses, dissertations, report projects, and others. Hence, people need to learn what is a coursework assignment and how to write such a paper effectively.

General Aspects

College and university students undertake different kinds of academic exercises, with writing projects taking a significant portion of their grades. Basically, one of these exercises is the writing of a coursework paper, an assignment they submit at the end of their semester. This kind of work also assesses students’ understanding of a particular field of study within a single semester. In turn, instructors rarely require someone to write a paper for things they learned during a previous semester. Therefore, coursework entails completing various writing assignments, such as essays, research projects, experiments, and presentations that assess a student’s understanding and application of a subject material.

What Is a Coursework and Its Purpose

According to its definition, coursework is an academic project assignment that students are required to undertake as part of their educational curriculum and which they must submit before a final closure of an entire semester. The primary purpose of writing a coursework assignment is to evaluate learners’ levels of knowledge and skills acquisition, meaning such a project contributes to their final grades (Godfrey, 2022). Ideally, coursework is what students learn during a semester, and such an assignment is meant to measure how well they have understood a subject matter. Moreover, individuals use reliable and relevant sources to study, examine, and evaluate a chosen coursework topic (Haines, 2021). As such, this task is very similar to other academic assignments, such as essays, research papers, reports, thesis writing, dissertations, and other types of papers . In terms of pages and words, the length of a coursework assignment depends on academic levels, subjects, institution’s requirements, and its nature and scope, while general guidelines are:

High School

  • Length: 6-10 pages
  • Words: 1,500-2,500 words
  • Length: 10-16 pages
  • Words: 2,500-4,000 words

University (Undergraduate)

  • Length: 16-24 pages
  • Words: 4,000-6,000 words

Master’s

  • Length: 24-32 pages
  • Words: 6,000-8,000 words
  • Length: 32-52 pages or more (depending on the complexity and depth of the research)
  • Words: 8,000-13,000 words or more

Coursework

SectionContent
Title PageIncludes a specific title of a coursework project, student’s name, instructor’s name, course name, and date.
Table of ContentsOutlines all the sections and subsections with page numbers.
Abstract/Executive SummaryPresents a brief summary of an entire paper, including main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. Typically, its length is about 150-250 words.
IntroductionIntroduces an assigned topic, provides background information, states a research question or thesis, and outlines a primary purpose and objectives of an entire coursework.
Literature ReviewReviews relevant literature, highlighting key theories, concepts, and studies related to a picked topic.
MethodologyDescribes research methods and procedures used to collect and analyze data and includes details about a study design, participants, instruments, and procedures.
ResultsPresents key findings of a particular research or analysis and includes tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate these results.
DiscussionInterprets obtained results, discussing their implications, significance, and relevance to a research question or thesis, addresses any limitations, and suggests areas for future research.
ConclusionSummarizes central findings and arguments, reiterates a study’s significance, and provides a final thought or call to action.
List of ReferencesProvides all the sources cited in a whole coursework and formatted according to a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian).
AppendicesIncludes any additional material, such as raw data, detailed calculations, or supplementary information, that supports a main text but is too lengthy to include in its main sections.

Note: Some sections of a coursework paper can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and it depends on specific college instructions. However, a typical structure of coursework covers a title page, table of contents, abstract/executive summary, introduction with a thesis or research question, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices.

Differences With Other Papers

In any course of their classes, students write different types of papers, including essays, research papers, and reports. Basically, the major difference between coursework writing and these papers is that it assesses people’ understanding of what they have discovered throughout a semester (Couch, 2021). In contrast, essays and other papers assess learners’ understanding of a specific topic, concept, result, or theory. Moreover, students may need to address an issue in their project they might have covered in an essay assignment sometime during a previous semester. As such, a coursework assignment is broader in scope than other papers.

Expectations

Like essays and other papers, a coursework assignment varies from one area of study to another. For example, there is a coursework for the English subject and another for the sciences (Godfrey, 2022). Therefore, individuals are expected to complete their coursework assignments according to their instructor’s or department’s instructions. In most cases, this expectation includes presenting an assignment in an essay format, where they select a title of their choice. Depending on a specific subject, some assignments expect students to collect, examine, infer, and report data when answering a specific question (Haines, 2021). Finally, in college, coursework refers to writing assignments, projects, and tasks students must complete as part of their academic curriculum to demonstrate their understanding and application of a subject material.

When it comes to a grading aspect of academic assignments, instructors look at how well a student has attended to all the requirements and expectations. For instance, these requirements include writing about a choice of themes or text excerpts in a given format (Haines, 2021). In essence, people must use a good approach they believe is likely to give them a higher grade, meaning a technique that helps them to answer a specific question methodically, logically, and critically by using relevant information. In essence, these are three dimensions for grading a coursework assignment (Couch, 2021). As such, to write a coursework paper effectively, one should conduct thorough research, follow a clear and organized structure, adhere to given guidelines, and proofread a final document to ensure accuracy and coherence.

Steps on How to Write a Coursework Paper

Like an essay, a coursework assignment takes a particular structure. Basically, students should understand core components and make sure they address them in their academic writing (Bjorn et al., 2022). In this case, the most significant issue for writers is to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Moreover, developing a thesis statement is essential to provide high-quality essays with a guideline on focal issues. Primarily, these issues are class concepts and theories a person has learned in a specific course during a semester (Godfrey, 2022). As a result, to write coursework, students thoroughly research their topics, create detailed outlines, adhere to specified formats, draft their content clearly and concisely, and proofread their papers for any mistakes.

Step 1: Preparation

Planning or preparation is the first step in writing a coursework paper. For instance, an essence of any form of academic writing is to measure a person’s level of understanding about a particular area of study (Haines, 2021). To start coursework, students begin by carefully reviewing assignment guidelines, conducting preliminary research to understand their assigned topics, and outlining main points and structure of their papers. Since such an project measures what a student has learned in a given course, it is paramount for each person to prepare well when executing an assignment. Here, learners have to choose a topic that they are comfortable with, one that they are passionate about. Additionally, they should generate ideas about their coursework by deciding what is relevant and what is not. In principle, a typical reasoning that guides this decision is a particular expectation outlined in assignment instructions (Godfrey, 2022). Lastly, people should understand their audience – consumers of their work or readers. Like any other assignment, a target audience is course instructors. Hence, writers should ensure their class projects satisfy a curiosity of readers. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a coursework paper include:

  • In recent years, the topic of [subject] has gained a significant attention due to its direct impact on [related field/issue], while this coursework aims to explore … .
  • The origins of [subject] can be traced back to [year/era], when [important event/person] first introduced a particular concept of … .
  • Understanding [subject] is crucial for [reason/field], as it offers more insights into [related concept or application], and this paper seeks to examine … .
  • Currently, [subject] is experiencing a period of rapid development, with new research and advancements being made in areas, such as … .
  • By exploring a research question: [research question], this paper aims to examine [purpose of the study] … .
  • While much has been written about [subject], there remains a significant knowledge gap in a current literature regarding [specific aspect], which this paper will investigate … .
  • During my studies/experience in [related field], I observed [specific phenomenon], which prompted me to investigate [subject] more thoroughly … .
  • According to recent statistics, [relevant statistic] highlights the importance of [subject], which this coursework will explore … .
  • As [author/expert] once said, ‘[relevant quote],’ this statement underscores a real significance of [subject], which will be a particular focus of this paper in … .
  • This coursework is based on a particular hypothesis that [hypothesis statement], and this comprehensive analysis and research will seek to prove/disprove … .

Step 2: Setting Up

After preparation, people should set up the stage for coursework writing. Basically, a first preoccupation is to find sources relevant to an assignment prompt – those that are more likely to provide enough evidence and support needed claims. As scholars review credible sources, they should take notes to provide a strong argumentation in their projects (Walter & Stouck, 2020). Then, another activity involves deciding on a coursework outline, which should help to answer an assignment prompt logically and critically. Lastly, learners should create an annotated bibliography, a summary of each source they intend to use as a valid basis for their arguments in an entire document.

Step 3: Writing a First Draft

After preparing and setting up the stage, students should start writing a first version of their coursework assignment. In this case, armed with notes taken during a review of reliable sources and an outline they have created, people should start with a first draft, where they develop a thesis statement. Basing all opinions and arguments on a thesis, writers should answer an assignment prompt methodically, logically, and critically. For example, a coursework statement is a concise declaration of a main objective or thesis that an entire project aims to explore and demonstrate (Godfrey, 2022). Moreover, a thesis statement should ‘hook’ a target audience and make them interested in reading a substantial part of a paper – a body. In essence, a body section is where students use all the evidence they have gathered about an assigned topic, while a thesis informs a target audience of what individuals have focused on in their papers. As a result, any coursework paper adopts a typical outline, as indicated below:

  • Table of Contents
  • Abstract or Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraph(s)
  • Reference List
  • Appendices (Optional)

Step 4: Wrapping It Up

It is normal for a writer to make mistakes when writing an academic document. For example, these mistakes include inconsistent arguments, irrelevant content, punctuation errors, and countless grammatical mistakes (Haines, 2021). Therefore, after completing a first draft, writers should read it through, at least twice, to identify these mistakes and correct them. Basically, common processes of correction include revising and editing a written paper. Regarding revisions, students should give their work to a friend or mentor to read it through. In their feedback, these individuals are likely to point out areas where authors should make corrections for their papers to be logical and interesting to read. Concerning editing a complete document, people should proofread their work to ensure it is free of spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and other grammatical mishaps.

Step 5: Developing Body Paragraphs

A body paragraph of any academic text, including a coursework assignment, utilizes several features to make a whole paper logical. Basically, the first feature is writing a topic sentence that opens up each paragraph (Couch, 2021). In principle, a primary purpose of this feature is to strengthen a central idea captured in a thesis statement. Then, the rest of a single paragraph structure backs up this claim using evidence gathered from different sources. In turn, another feature is a concluding sentence, which closes each paragraph (Godfrey, 2022). As such, a main goal of this aspect is to connect a topic sentence with a thesis statement. Finally, another feature is transition words and phrases that help readers to sense a logical flow of ideas throughout a whole paper. In short, writers use transitions within and between paragraphs to create a logical flow of information and ideas.

Step 6: Referencing Format and Peer Reviewing

Besides ensuring an entire paper is written methodically and logically, authors should see it meets the highest academic writing standards. In this regard, they should ensure it follows a particular format – APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian. In most cases, an assignment prompt dictates a specific format learners should use. Moreover, a particular referencing manual informs about a typical structure of a whole paper and its format of citations. In turn, another essential activity that students should perform is to commit a complete document to peer review. Here, authors give coursework papers to distinguished scholars, such as a professor or classmate, to assess an overall validity and quality of information used, including sources.

Step 7: Writing a Final Draft

After subjecting a first draft to vigorous scrutiny through revisions, editions, and peer review, people should start writing a final draft of a coursework paper. Basically, this draft should be thoroughly polished, meaning it should be free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes, as well as inconsistent arguments and irrelevant sentences (Lawrence, 2020). Moreover, it should indicate an effective use of transitions in paper’s body paragraphs. In short, a final draft is an improved version of a first draft because writers have revised and edited it and incorporated feedback from a friend, mentor, or professor. However, they still need to read through a final draft, at least once, to ensure it is perfect before submission to a grading department. In turn, if someone notes several mistakes, it means another revision is necessary. Hence, a student’s focus should be a correct content, organization of ideas, style of writing, and format.

Types of Coursework

Given that coursework assignments test students’ levels of understanding about a course’s content in a given semester, it means such a project takes several writing forms. For example, these documents include a term paper, a Master’s thesis, a dissertation, or a report project (Godfrey, 2022). Ideally, such a composition is an essential requirement for a student to complete an entire course successfully. It also means such a project is essential to be awarded a degree. Moreover, the only difference between these types of coursework assignments is that they take a different approach to examining and analyzing a course’s content, with each subject taking a unique approach. In turn, common types of coursework projects include:

TypeContent
EssayA written document that talks about a specific topic or argument and requires analysis and critical thinking.
Research PaperAn in-depth study on a specific topic that involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and evidence from various credible sources.
Laboratory ReportA detailed account of an experiment, including methodology, results, and analysis of findings.
Case StudyAn examination of a particular instance or event, analyzing it in detail to draw conclusions or lessons.
ProjectA comprehensive task that often includes research, design, and implementation, resulting in a final product or presentation.
PresentationAn oral or visual display of research or knowledge on a particular topic, using PowerPoint slides or other visual aids.
PortfolioA collection of work samples that demonstrate skills, competencies, and achievements over a period of time.
Dissertation/ThesisAn extensive and original piece of research conducted independently, and such a paper is required for completing a degree program.
Annotated BibliographyA list of found sources with brief descriptions and evaluations of each, and such an assignment is used as a preparatory step for a research project.
Creative WorkA project that involves creating original content, such as a piece of art, literature, or a multimedia presentation.

Writing Techniques

The dream of every student is to pass any assessment and attain a higher grade. In a coursework assignment, learners can utilize different techniques to ensure they attain higher grades after assessments (Haines, 2021). As indicated earlier about a grading aspect of coursework, writers should use an approach they believe answers an assignment prompt methodically, logically, and critically. As a result, every technique they use must allow them to answer a specific question in a way that satisfies these three grading dimensions.

Compare and Contrast

A compare and contrast essay technique is about analyzing two subjects, ideas, concepts, or theories by comparing them, contrasting them, or doing both. Basically, a primary purpose of answering a coursework assignment through this writing approach is that students must not state obvious things (Couch, 2021). Instead, they need to shed light on subtle differences or unexpected similarities between subjects, ideas, concepts, or theories.

Cause and Effect

A cause and effect essay technique allows writers to develop their paper’s body by analyzing possible reasons for and consequences of a decision, action, or event. When organizing a paragraph, students adopt a structure that allows them to arrange defined causes and effects in a chronological or reverse chronological order (Godfrey, 2022). Alternatively, authors can present their arguments through emphasis, starting from least important to most important aspects, or vice versa.

Investigation

An investigation technique involves undertaking an in-depth examination of a topic, idea, concept, or theory. Basically, this technique’s primary goal is to demonstrate that students have gained a thorough knowledge of a specific subject, which is indicated in their methodical, logical, and critical analysis and presentation of information. In esense, ensuring research findings are interpreted and presented in an organized manner throughout a research paper is critical (Walter & Stouck, 2020). Ultimately, such a technique enables writers to demonstrate their articulate understanding of various viewpoints about a particular issue under investigation. 

How to Present Strong Arguments

For an academic paper to capture an audience’s attention and interest, students must not only develop a thesis statement but also ensure they use strong arguments to back up a central idea in a main statement. Basically, the “they say, I say” technique is the simplest method to present arguments properly (Couch, 2021). In this regard, the information that a person uses in answering a coursework assignment prompt should be free of plagiarism and cite all sources properly. Then, another way to ensure an entire writing is persuasive is to confirm that authors have attained a required word count limit without counting footnotes, endnotes, references, and appendices (Haines, 2021). Ideally, selecting a topic that one is comfortable with and passionate about enables an overall writing to be high-quality in terms of argumentation. Besides, students should discuss alternatives with their mentor or instructor. Finally, a thesis statement should not be complicated.

Scope of Research

Students make different kinds of mistakes when writing academic texts. For example, a common mistake in coursework writing involves a scope, where students fail to focus on one area of a particular topic and instead try to be broad in their argumentation (Godfrey, 2022). In principle, they may waste space talking about irrelevant material, leaving them with little space to write about a core idea. As such, an effective solution to this problem is to develop a thesis statement that sets out a paper’s specific agenda. In doing so, authors can realize every time they go off-topic.

Colloquialism

By considering colloquialisms, students may use a language that is not standard for academic writing. Essentially, this problem is particularly common with learners who become excited about a specific topic and try to express their ideas creatively (Haines, 2021). Moreover, a whole project shifts from being evidence-based to a document about an author’s opinion. In turn, a particular solution to such a problem is to pick a topic that is exciting and critically discussed in an existing literature. As a result, students can identify several sources that discuss their assigned topics to use as bases for evidence of their claims and arguments about their central themes.

Common Mistakes

  • Lack of Clarity in Thesis Statement: Failing to clearly define a main argument or purpose of an entire paper can lead to a lack of focus throughout a coursework project.
  • Insufficient Research: Relying on too few sources or not consulting credible and up-to-date references can weaken an overall quality and depth of an analysis.
  • Poor Organization: Not following a logical writing structure can make a paper difficult to follow due to an inadequate flow of ideas.
  • Overuse of Quotations: Excessively quoting sources rather than paraphrasing or synthesizing information can make a whole paper seem unoriginal and reduce an author’s voice.
  • Ignoring Formatting Guidelines: Not adhering to a required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) or formatting instructions can result in a loss of marks.
  • Lack of Proofreading: Submitting a paper with grammatical errors, typos, and spelling mistakes can undermine an overall professionalism and readability of a project.
  • Inadequate Analysis: Simply describing sources without critically analyzing or interpreting the information can lead to writing a biased paper.
  • Failure to Address a Prompt: Straying from an assigned topic or not fully addressing a coursework prompt can result in an irrelevant or incomplete paper.
  • Plagiarism: Copying text without proper citing attribution, even unintentionally, can lead to serious academic consequences.
  • Weak Conclusion: Ending a coursework paper without a clear closure or failing to adequately summarize key findings and implications can leave any reader unsatisfied.

Coursework vs. Research Paper

Ideally, an outline of a coursework assignment is similar to that of a research paper. In this case, an abstract serves as a brief overview of a research paper and informs readers of writer’s focal points. More importantly, such an outline has a body, where writers use different paragraphs to make an argument about a specific topic. In turn, each of the paragraphs begins with a topic sentence and ends with a concluding sentence. Like research papers, body paragraphs of a coursework assignment serve to cement writer’s claims and arguments, which are linked to a thesis statement.

Students should master following tips when it comes to writing a coursework assignment:

  • Choose an exciting topic and stick to it. Basically, students come across tons of exciting information about their topic. However, to avoid going off-script, they should focus on their core subject and avoid a particular temptation of using data that may prove irrelevant.
  • Use evidence (quotes and statistics) selectively. In principle, relevancy is a significant indicator of a high-grade paper. As such, where authors are not going to refer to some data directly because it adds no value to their argument, they should avoid dwelling on it in their paper.
  • Cite sources correctly. When citing sources, writers should note format standards in use – APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian – as each has a unique approach.
  • Revise, edit, and proofread a complete paper. High-quality coursework writing should be free of inconsistent arguments, irrelevant sentences, and spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.

A coursework project is among writing assignments that students in colleges and universities undertake in preparation for their degree. Unlike other papers, this assignment assesses learners’ understanding of what they have learned in a course in a given semester. As such, students must complete and submit it before a semester comes to closure. Finally, different types of coursework include essays, term papers, theses, dissertations, and report projects.

Bjorn, G. A., Quaynor, L., & Burgasser, A. J. (2022). Reading research for writing: Co-constructing core skills using primary literature. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice , 7 (1), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2022.237

Couch, D. (2021). Your guide to college writing . Chemeketa Press.

Godfrey, J. (2022). Writing for university . Bloomsbury Academic.

Haines, C. (2021). Assessing students’ written work marking essays and reports . Routledge.

Lawrence, T. S. (2020). Writing a research paper. International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics , 106 (4), 674–676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.12.005

Walter, L., & Stouck, J. (2020). Writing the literature review: Graduate student experiences. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 11 (1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2020.1.8295

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What is Coursework? | Definition, Meaning & keypoints!

What is coursework.

Coursework is a practical work or study done by a student in partial fulfilment of a degree or training. Projects, field work, design studies, long essays etc constitutes a coursework. The nature of work which requires to be carried out depends on the course. It is largely a part of learning exercise and a step to prepare you to handle the required work/ task effectively and efficiently.

Written or practical work done by a student during a course of study, usually assessed in order to count towards a final mark or grade.

Who assigns coursework and why?

Major types of coursework & how to go about them, coursework for academic topics which require writing:, what makes a good and effective content, coursework requiring you to make something like model, sculpture or artwork, key points to be kept in mind while working on coursework.

Doctorates are the highest degrees conferred by universities. An online or on campus doctorate can lead to a high-level position in a number of different fields, from business administration to health care to quality control. The lengthy road to earning a doctorate can be shortened by at least several months through online study.

Admission to doctoral programs requires completion of an undergraduate degree program and typically, but not always, of a master’s degree program. Students earning a doctorate must take a specified number of advanced graduate-level courses, requiring at least two or three years of study beyond the master’s degree. Upon passing written or oral examinations, or a combination of both, doctoral students are granted the status of doctoral candidates. Then they must research and write a dissertation on an original topic, and then satisfactorily defend the dissertation before a committee of professors in the field.

About The Author

How to Write a Coursework

what is meaning of course work

Coursework projects do not resemble essays, research papers, or dissertations. They are the combination of all three. Students spend less time writing coursework than on making a term paper, but this type of work requires more time and efforts than an ordinary essay - it is made of several essays. Thanks to our guide, each student can discover how to write coursework. If you are running out of time or lack experience to complete the specific coursework, we recommend using our coursework writing services to hire professional academic writers.

What is Coursework and Why Does It Matter?

Coursework definition: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework is a typical academic assignment, given in the course of study to evaluate the student’s knowledge, skills, and identify the final grade. Many students face this type of writing in the US colleges. One of the examples is a coursework UTD (The University of Texas at Dallas) - the requirements of this institution are strict, and many students fail to submit their papers and pass the corresponding courses.

Such type of assignment helps to have the ‘detective’ hat on: a student observes, examines, and evaluates the chosen topic using credible, up-to-date, and relevant sources. Working under controlled conditions is important. Participating in every school class will help to prepare good coursework by the end of the term. Take a look at the examples of what students of various profiles may face:

  • English Composition - English coursework is an extended essay in most cases. A student has a right to pick the topic. The tutors provide their students with the list of recommended titles to choose from, sources to observe & analyze, and a format (e.g., a comparison between different relevant articles)
  • Sciences - coursework for science is a complicated assignment. Such type of work appears in the form of a scientific paper to test what a writer investigates and reports independently.
  • Geography - geography coursework is about collecting, reporting, and explaining information to reply to a certain geographical question or offer solutions to the problem. One idea is to explore the usage of a shopping mall or analyze the recent tornado. No matter whether you have to prepare a coursework Columbia or such paper for other educational institutions, keep in mind these differences!

Types of Coursework Explained

English Language coursework is the most common type of this assignment. At advanced GCE level, the student will be expected to write a couple of essays, totaling 3,000 words. Every assignment is 20 marks maximum.

Types of Coursework

An analytical essay : Evaluate, compare, & contrast 3 different sources of data interconnected by a common theme; written /spoken / multimedia content. Discuss different uses for targeting various audiences. Learn more on our blog.

Original essay with a supportive commentary : A student will have to come up with a single piece of media writing in the observed modes (written, spoken, or multimodal). Add a supporting piece with details about the aspects of English language. English Language & Literature coursework is a bit different. The basic requirements are the same, and the parts are:

An analytical study : Sharing an analysis of the chosen piece and its relation to the related content. It will show how well the writer understands the original piece. Tutors grade such works based on the:

  • Use of the proper terminology and the coherence of the written words;
  • Understanding & evaluation of the way a structure, form, and language create the written & spoken word;
  • Opportunity to observe relationships between various pieces of writing.

Creative writing & commentary : Produce a creative piece that imitates the style of the assessed text. Share comments to backup your understanding. The goal is to show the knowledge, prove the competence, and use appropriate language skills in communicating with the target audience. You will also need a relevant coursework resume (review) in both cases. Keep on reading to learn how to write coursework of A level.

How to Write a Coursework: Guide for Students

Several factors may lead to the coursework being disqualified. It is a serious matter! The risk factors include:

  • Plagiarism - it is the worst thing that could happen to any type of academic assignment. Lots of relevant information is available on the world wide web today, and the tutors are strict about the issue of plagiarism. Write everything in your own words! If you decide to insert the quotes from the sources, apply the suggested citation format and develop a list of references. Sign the declaration claiming it is your original project. If you're unsure about how to approach this, seeking professional help by choosing to write my coursework can be a wise decision.
  • Word count - do not ignore the specific requirements concerning the length of the coursework. Specify if the footnotes, appendices, & references are included in the word count.
  • Topics - go through the list of available themes. If there is an examination planned on the specific topic, try to pick another idea for the coursework.
  • Tutor’s assistance - do not ignore the help of your instructor, ask them to provide guidance on what to write. Ask the questions to learn more details, but keep in mind they can go through the 1st draft once and just offer some general recommendations.

Choosing a Topic for Your Project

Dedicate enough time to this extra important question. Select the field of your interest if it is possible to relate it to the course. That is the golden rule of choosing a coursework topic - keep in mind the rest of the hints:

  • Analyze the offered list of topics or develop yours
  • Pick a topic from the area of your expertise related to the studied subject
  • Select the topic you are interested in
  • Choose the topic you’ve started to observe in the past
  • Check how much relevant, up-to-date information is available on the Internet about each of the topics
  • Pick what you can measure, change, & control (they call it a ‘fair test’)
  • Use the ideas of previous researchers and students
  • Do not choose a topic with a vast scope - you risk struggling to research it correctly

10 Good Coursework Topics

  • Non-traditional Forms of Poetry with TC Tolbert
  • Documentary Foundations: Usage of Oral Histories with Beth Alvarado
  • Traditional Forms of Poetry
  • Hermit Crabs: Type of Fiction
  • Writing the Autobiographical Poem
  • Creative Non-Fiction on the Examples of New Journalists
  • Authors without Borders
  • Writing the Sticky Stuff
  • Socially Engaged Literary Arts
  • Common Vocabulary

Research & Data Collection

Research is an integral part of coursework. Have you written research papers before? If yes, you will find it easier to select proper primary & secondary sources and gather the necessary information (evidence to support the main point - thesis). Depending on the required paper format, cite & reference the following sources:

  • Books & e-Books

Base the project on a specific hypothesis. The research must start with minimum one hypothesis. The research stage for some topics may consist of visiting websites to collect information. Leave another time for collecting the data as it is the heart of the research. Three methods of data collection are known:

  • Direct personal investigation : The one an author does individually (using literature and findings from previous studies);
  • Interview/Questionnaire : The researcher should gather the data from the respondents asking questions regarding required data;
  • Discussion with community leaders : Community leaders are approached to fetch information for the necessary data.

In case a student works on a scientific experiment, they should pay attention to planning the analysis with the help of rigorous scientific methods (keeping in mind the Health & Safety precautions you take). Review background information and theories. Take notes to express what you expect to occur to compare & contrast it to what happened in real life. In the write-up stage, one has to evaluate and present the findings.

6 steps to writing a good introduction

Writing a Coursework Outline

The writing process follows the research. Do not start it without preparing an action plan and scheduling the work - a paper pin for English coursework is based on an extended essay . An outline will look different for the science coursework projects. The goal of creating a plan is to prevent a writer from being disorganized and waffling.

Writing a Coursework Outline

Let us explain coursework outline on the specific example - a project on the global pursuit of lower costs and the role of human rights.

Start with the brief introduction explaining why it might be a topic of interest for many people. Mention those vast corporations like Wal-Mart abuse human rights by choosing and using child labor in the factories.

Provide an overview of the problem . Define human rights and costs. Pick the definitions from the official dictionaries and cite them properly when inserting in the text. Try to explain the terms in your own words.

Develop a body of the coursework , start with the case for & against ethical business practices. Using evidence and examples, list the arguments supporting ethical business practices and another side of the coin. Include a business case for ethical practices after the opening body paragraph.

Move to discussing ethical responsibilities ; explain why business organizations should care about the ethical aspects of their activities. After three sections of the body, one can conclude the paper. It can be a good idea to share a fact or statistics stressing the importance of research problem in the essay conclusion. End up with the reference list that may look this way:

  • Klein N (2000) No Logo (Flamingo, London)
  • Marcousé I, Gillespie A, Martin B, Surridge M and Wall N (2003) Business Studies 2e (Hodder Arnold, Oxon)
  • Royal Dutch Shell (2006) 4th Quarter Financial Report at (site example)

GENERAL RULE FOR CITING SOURCES IN COURSEWORK

Additional Elements

Supporting materials and pictures are a must! The sciences & geography projects require tables, charts, graphs, and other types of images to illustrate the complicated topic. Not only should you add the pictures - it is essential to interpret and reference each of them. A separate part of the coursework where the student list and explains every visual element is Appendix , and it is an optional part. The presence of appendix increases the chances to earn an A+.

How to Write an Introduction for Coursework?

Most of the students underestimate the role of introduction & conclusion when it comes to writing an essay. An eye-catchy introduction is a key to success. The primary purposes of a coursework introduction are:

  • To grab the reader’s attention
  • To introduce the topic
  • To explain the research importance
  • To come up with a compelling thesis statement

The opening paragraph shows the depth of the writer’s acquaintance with the topic. Look at the expert tips below. They will help to learn how to write a coursework introduction to make the tutor want to read your entire paper.

What Is an Introduction?

The introduction of GCSE coursework is the opening paragraph that aims to interpret the central questions and purposes of the entire paper. It should have several elements to be effective. Those are:

  • A hook sentence
  • Background information
  • Problem significance
  • Solid thesis statement

Advice from our Experienced Writer

How to write an introduction to coursework? The quality of this part predetermines paper’s success. Look at some common mistakes writers do while working on the coursework introduction - try to prevent them!

Ignoring the prompt. Many students tend to neglect the tutor’s instructions. It is critical to read the prompt several times, highlight the main points, research question, rules, and grading rubric details.

Missing a plan. The prompt does not always say to develop a coursework outline. Without a plan for every separate section, it is impossible to write a flawless piece step-by-step. No matter whether you have to write a term paper, research paper, dissertation, or C3 coursework, get ready with the detailed plan. Once you understand how to write an introduction, it will be easier to develop the rest of the paper.

For those who need a helping hand in ensuring their work meets all the standards and deadlines, don't hesitate to buy coursework from trusted professionals.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

what is meaning of course work

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What is Coursework, Students

What is Coursework

First of all, you need to understand what is coursework and how to write it. When one is writing a coursework, they have to do profound research that will reveal their knowledge base. A coursework may consist of design studies, field work, projects, long essays, and other kinds of work. Depending on the particular course, it can be performed in a number of ways. You need to write a coursework not only to show what you know about a particular subject and enlarge your knowledge base but also to prepare yourself to deal with the work you will need to perform in the future.

The Oxford Dictionary defines coursework as the type of practical or written work performed by a student and assessed by their professor. Hopefully, it makes the coursework meaning clearer for you.

what is meaning of course work

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Why coursework is necessary and who assigns it.

Now when you know what is coursework, you also have to understand why it is needed. Usually, a student's mentor or teacher assigns coursework as it is a part of the course structure. Writing a coursework is important since it helps the student reflect on what they have learned from the given course. Realizing the coursework meaning, one can understand the material better and see how their knowledge can be applied in various situations. This type of work also reveals the student's way of thinking and helps them learn how to express their thoughts. Coursework has an utterly diverse nature. A student's instructor can ask them to perform it in a written way and work on an essay, term paper, or thesis (this form of coursework is the most widespread). A coursework can also be done in a more creative way; for example, a student may be asked to create a sculpture. At times, taking a test is preferred by the instructor. In some cases, several types of coursework can be combined into one. Choosing a specific type or a combination of types depends on the course. Whatever the kind of coursework is, it always requires being evaluated. The student's mark will be based on their understanding of the topic, creativity, as well as on the innovative aspect of their work.

How to Perform the Most Important Types of Coursework?

Even understanding the coursework meaning, students have mixed feelings on it. Some of them like to do research, learn new information, and write about the results, while for others, it seems to be an unnecessary task, or even a burden. Whichever opinion is true for you, being a student, you will still have to write a coursework at some point. For this reason, you need to know how to do it successfully. Below you see the list of rules and guidelines that will make this task easier for you.

Read these steps carefully and make sure you follow them as they will help you get started.

Coursework that requires writing:

  • Carry out superficial research on the topic of your coursework.
  • Settle on your topic.
  • Work on the structure of your coursework.
  • Make a summary or an abstract and confirm it with your instructor.
  • Conduct profound research to find all the information you need.
  • While writing, keep on researching the topic more.
  • When you are done, check your coursework for plagiarism.
  • Make a reference list.

To make sure that your coursework features a good content that is clear and easy-to-understand for your reader, work on the structure of your work. Check out if you maintain its consistency, use relevant information, complete your topic, and make it look concise.<

Coursework that requires to create a model, sculpture, or artwork:

  • Find a design or concept you like.
  • See how it can be applied to the area of your study.
  • Think about what you want to create and decide on the scale of this object.
  • Decide what kind of materials you need to finalize your work.
  • Find everything you need for creating your artwork.
  • Make sure that you have a mental image of the result and make a rough sketch of it.
  • Begin working!

Key points you should consider:

  • Originality - You need to be sure that your topic or idea is original. It is an extremely important point you have to keep in mind from the very beginning of your work. Numerous researches are being done by numerous people, so you have to make yours stand out.
  • Need - Your coursework should be able to answer certain questions or find solutions. For that, it has to identify the key problems and help the reader understand them clearly.
  • Uniqueness - Both your topic and your content have to be unique. Make sure to avoid plagiarism and never copy information from other sources. Conduct surveys or prepare questionnaires to add originality to the content of your coursework.
  • Your input - This aspect is very important. When working on your coursework, you need to reflect on your topic a lot and understand how you can apply it. If you do it, the purpose of writing a coursework is served. For this reason, do your best to make as much input in your work as possible.
  • Outcomes & future applications - Even if you have worked hard and put a lot of effort into writing your coursework, it can turn out to be a failure in case you do not show useful outcomes. Therefore, you need to provide a well-made analysis of the information you used. Make a well-structured conclusion for your topic and talk about the way it can be researched further.

If you keep all these points in mind and follow the guidelines, you will certainly write a good coursework.

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Definition of course

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of course  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

  • methodology

Examples of course in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'course.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English cours, borrowed from Anglo-French cours, curs, going back to Latin cursus "action of running, charge, movement along a path, progress," from currere "to run, flow" + -tus, suffix of verbal action — more at current entry 1

Note: As pointed out by Michiel de Vaan ( Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the Other Italic Languages, Leiden, 2008), the expected outcome of the verbal adjective in *-to- and the verbal noun in *-tū- would be *kostus < *korstus < *kr̥s-to-, kr̥s-tū-, from the verbal base *kr̥s- (> currere ). The attested form cursus for both the past participle and verbal noun reflects remodeling on the pattern of stems ending in a dental (as morsus from mordere "to bite," versus from vertere "to turn"). As generally in Latin, the verbal noun, where full grade of the root would be expected, has been supplanted by zero grade of the verbal adjective.

Middle English coursen "to pursue," derivative of cours course entry 1

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing course

  • as a matter of course
  • assault course
  • collision course
  • correspondence course
  • course load
  • course of action
  • course of events
  • course of study
  • crash course
  • golf course
  • holder in due course
  • in due course
  • in the course of time
  • in the usual / normal / ordinary course of business
  • let nature take its course
  • matter of course
  • normal / ordinary course of events
  • obstacle course
  • of course not
  • on a collision course
  • par for the course
  • pervert the course of justice
  • refresher course
  • run its course
  • run one's course
  • sandwich course
  • stay the course
  • survey course
  • the course of history
  • veer off course

Dictionary Entries Near course

coursed ashlar

Cite this Entry

“Course.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/course. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of course.

Kids Definition of course  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English cours, course "action of moving in a certain path, path of movement, progress," from early French curs, course (same meaning), derived from Latin currere "to run" — related to corridor , current

Medical Definition

Medical definition of course, more from merriam-webster on course.

Nglish: Translation of course for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of course for Arabic Speakers

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What is the difference between taking courses, classes or lessons?

Currently, I am preparing a letter of my study objectives for an university application. I ask myself what is the exact difference between the following terms? Or can I use them synonymously?

  • taking courses
  • taking classes
  • taking lessons
  • word-choice

RegDwigнt's user avatar

10 Answers 10

The uses and meanings of 'course', 'class' and 'lesson' vary considerably between North American English and British English.

North American English

This means a series of classes, on a particular subject, usually lasting a whole semester or year. It does not mean a "course of study"; for this North American English uses "program" or "major". Evidence for this usage comes from American and Canadian University websites in which courses are usually given "credit" values, e.g. 3-credit course, 4-credit course, and listed per semester as the "Schedule of Courses". Example sentences:

What courses do I need to take to get a degree in English? Students must register for 4 courses to be considered full time. I'm taking a course on Shakespeare's sonnets.

This has two possible meanings in a university context . First, as a particular instance of a course. Example sentences:

I can't go for coffee now, I have a class. I have classes all day Wednesday.

Second, as a slightly more informal term for 'course'. Example sentences:

I'm taking a class on Shakespeare's sonnets. How many classes are you taking this semester?

In a non-university context , 'class' substitutes for 'course', i.e., 'course' isn't used in these contexts very much. It still has the two meanings above, though.

Example sentences: For a series of individual classes on pottery,

I'm taking a pottery class.

For a particular instance of a class,

In my yoga class today, we did back bends.

The word 'lesson' isn't used much in the North American English higher educational context except as part of the compound noun 'lesson plan', which is a technical educational term meaning a plan for a single class. It also appears in the context of individual instruction, especially for musical instruments, e.g. "piano lesson".

British English

In British English, a course refers to a course of study, i.e. a series of lectures, tutorials or exams taken over a number of years, usually leading to a degree. Neither 'class' nor 'lesson' is used in the context of Higher Education in the UK, as far as I know.

Alan Munn's user avatar

  • 3 At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Course is used in the British English sense: Mathematics is a Course. The various series of lectures lasting a semester, e.g. Calculus I, that would be needed for a degree in this Course are called Subjects. In contrast, at most other American universities, Mathematics might be referred to as a Subject (though Major or Curriculum are more likely) and Calculus I would be called a course. –  Dilip Sarwate Commented Feb 20, 2012 at 4:26
  • @DilipSarwate Interesting. Although I've spent some time at MIT it wasn't as a student so I guess I never noticed this. It certainly seems to be a minority use in the U.S., though. –  Alan Munn Commented Mar 3, 2012 at 19:44

Notwithstanding the fact that people will be sloppy with their language and use these terms synonymously:

Course is the broadest term for the study of a subject. It could be used to refer to an entire degree program, but it is most appropriately applied to a specific subject such as First Year English Literature .

Class is more specific and is most properly applied to a section of a course taught by one instructor to one group of students at a certain scheduled time.

Lesson is the most specific and implies a particular unit of instruction, such as would be delivered by a particular instructor to a particular class on a given day.

Joel Brown's user avatar

Each word paints a different image through association in the reader's mind. Here are some meanings associated with each:

  • course - field of study, duration as in "time elapsed", the process of evaluation and grading
  • class - teacher-student interaction, where the interaction does not necessarily include the evaluation and grading grading process
  • lesson - a unit of knowledge, tutorial, achieving a greater level of understanding

Course is at the highest, most abstract (macro) level. Lesson is at the most specific, micro level. Both course and lesson are independent of time. Both are dependent on goals. Class is the least abstract, most tangible of the three. It is dependent on time. It is a process level word.

You know what image you want to convey to the reader. It may not matter which country the reader hails from. What will matter is the other words in the sentence.

Ellie Kesselman's user avatar

When we want to talk about a period of time when we are taught something, we say we have a lesson . For the same occasion, especially as part of a group, we can use the term class : We have a History lesson/class at nine.

When we want to talk about a series of lessons or lectures we attend, we say we take a course . The same term applies when we want to talk about a period of study at an academic institution which leads to an exam or qualification, as in postgraduate courses .

According to OALD, class can also be used to describe a series of lessons on a particular subject (as a synonym of course ), for example we can say pottery class and mean a series of classes/lessons.

Irene's user avatar

  • @Theta30: No, I'm speaking about the UK. –  Irene Commented Feb 18, 2012 at 18:27

In a "class" you take lessons.

In a "course" you take many classes.

Thursagen's user avatar

  • 1 These are not all set in stone, as students use these terms (especially class and course ) interchangeably... –  Jimi Oke Commented Jul 9, 2011 at 0:54

A course is "a series of lectures or lessons in a particular subject, typically leading to a qualification." A class is "a course of instruction."

avpaderno's user avatar

It all depends on the context. In the UK, for instance (I'm presuming you're talking about an American university), neither "class" nor "lesson" is ever used in the context of higher education, and the "course" one studies is likely to be the overall subject, e.g. Computer Science/English Lit/whatever. Then again, the terminology varies widely from one institution to another within the UK, as I'm sure it does in America.

jaybee's user avatar

  • So a course in the US might be a subject in the UK, while a course in the UK might be a subject in the US? –  Peter Shor Commented Jul 10, 2011 at 12:52
  • like thesis and dissertation?! –  karthik Commented Feb 18, 2012 at 12:15

Let me see if I can simply all of the above:

A lesson is part of a class ; a class is part of a course ; a course is part of a program that usually leads to a degree or certification.

AnWulf's user avatar

  • 1 Except for the fact that 'lesson' isn't really used (at least in the US) and 'class' can be synonymous with 'course' and therefore isn't always part of one, and 'course' can mean 'program' in the UK. Simplification isn't always what it's cracked up to be. –  Alan Munn Commented Feb 19, 2012 at 15:29
  • 2 @AlanMunn In my part of the US, lesson is a well known word. Maybe it is owing to that I'v dated several teachers but lesson is word that I'v heard often—lesson plans; get tomorrow's lesson ready—asf. Many textbooks have "Lesson #" instead of "Chapter #". And while class may bestead course sometimes—What classes/courses are you taking this semester?—course isn't an eath swap for class ... I'm off to class. (Course doesn't work here) ... When you're talking to your advisor, you'll discuss the coursework (not classwork ... classwork is what you do for class) that you'll need for your degree. –  AnWulf Commented Feb 20, 2012 at 3:03
  • w.r.t. 'lesson', I was referring to a higher education context. It may well be used in high/middle/grade school. As for your substitutions, the fact that 'class' can be a synonym of 'course' doesn't entail that 'course' can be used everywhere 'class' can be. "I'm off to class" is only the first of my meanings of 'class' so we don't expect a substitution. Thanks for your 'coursework/classwork' example, which is a very nice minimal pair, but since the words are compounds, we don't necessarily expect the same substitutions to be possible. –  Alan Munn Commented Feb 20, 2012 at 4:01
  • It doesn't matter, professors hav lesson plans as well as high school teachers. I'v made lessons plans for classes at a corporation. With your advisor you'll discuss the courses you'll need for your program (or maybe degree track). If class and course were syn. then classwork and coursework would also be syn. Think of it this way. In order to complete the course, you must go class for your lessons. –  AnWulf Commented Feb 20, 2012 at 4:39

If I teach "Calculus 1" in both Spring 2016 and Fall 2016, then those are two different classes but the same course .

Evidence: terminology such as "Schedule of classes" (for a particular semester) and "Course catalog" (not bound to a particular semester).

Bjørn Kjos-Hanssen's user avatar

It is easy to understand when you know what you are talking about and how to define the words.

Lessons are considered as chapters filled with a certain amount of assignments. It can take several classes to finish one lesson, but also several lessons can be done in one class.

This lesson was very hard. We've learned a lot today, we finish many chapters → lessons. We will continue this lesson next week.

Classes are certain, every day you attend classes, therefore also the lessons. Although classes can be a group of people, mainly that word refers to the daily classes/lessons.

It's not always certain how many lessons you have in one class. This is individually decided.

— What class do you have? — Photography — What lesson are you in? — We have to calculate the value of light measurement for cameras and before that we learned what ISO means and what it does.

An unknown bundle of classes, but the lessons what to learn/teach are known. Right now, we either finish and understand the lecture or we don't understand it and have to redo the whole course since we could not keep up with other students, or we have to take extra classes to polish the lessons we already have had.

Ruben's user avatar

  • Hi and welcome. Please put more effort into your posts in the future. I tried to fix what I could, but some bits just plain do not make any sense whatsoever, so I have no idea how to fix them. –  RegDwigнt Commented Dec 3, 2012 at 10:01
  • Thnx, maybe I have been writing too much. I'm Dutch so my English isn't that great. If people learn the meanings of words it should be easy to understand: lesson, class, course. I tried too hard to explain it in apparently a retarded way. –  Ruben Commented Dec 7, 2012 at 9:15

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged meaning word-choice nouns or ask your own question .

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what is meaning of course work

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of course in English

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course noun ( CLASSES )

  • I did a course in creative writing.
  • Julie has signed up for courses on English and French this year .
  • There are still some vacancies for students in science and engineering courses.
  • The course comprises a class book , a practice book and an audio tape .
  • She's been offered a place on the nursing course.
  • academic year
  • access course
  • Advanced Placement
  • asynchronous
  • foundation course
  • grade retention
  • immersion course
  • on a course
  • open admissions
  • the national curriculum
  • work placement

course noun ( SPORTS AREA )

  • He spends every weekend out on the golf course.
  • We walked the course the horses would have to run later .
  • The race was cancelled because the course was waterlogged .
  • He ran the course in less than an hour .
  • Flags mark the course the cyclists will be taking.
  • 18-yard box
  • backstretch
  • ground staff
  • off his/her line idiom
  • out of bounds idiom

course noun ( DEVELOPMENT )

  • action They are considering legal action.
  • course of action They have not yet decided on a particular course of action.
  • measure Measures are in place to prevent flooding.
  • step These simple steps will ensure that infections are not spread.
  • Once we have committed to this course of action there is no going back.
  • We came up against a lot of problems in the course of building our extension .
  • In the course of history , love has driven men and women to strange extremes .
  • I was grateful for his letter which hastened the course of the enquiry .
  • He has been accused of obstructing the course of justice .
  • a means to an end idiom
  • methodological
  • methodologically
  • standard operating procedure
  • stylistically

course noun ( DIRECTION )

  • All attempts at diplomacy have broken down and the two states now appear to be on a collision course.
  • He drove in an erratic course down the road .
  • Some of the frontier between Germany and Poland follows the course of the river Oder
  • The ship held its course.
  • Most parents try to steer a middle course between imposing very strict discipline and letting their kids run wild .
  • against the current
  • circumduction
  • cross-country
  • direction of travel
  • multidirectional

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

course noun ( MEAL )

  • If you make the main course, I'll make a dessert .
  • I've only eaten one course and I'm already full .
  • By the time the fourth course was served , I was stuffed to the gills .
  • The average cost of a full three-course meal - appetizer , main course and dessert - including tip and a modest wine is about $25.
  • I had salmon for my main course.
  • accompaniment
  • afternoon tea
  • amuse-bouche
  • English breakfast
  • finger buffet
  • plat du jour
  • ploughman's lunch
  • postprandial

course noun ( MEDICAL TREATMENT )

  • bactericidal
  • biopharmaceutical
  • blister pack
  • post-injection
  • radiation therapy
  • recommended dose
  • restorative

course noun ( LAYER )

  • acoustic tile
  • agglomerate
  • particle board
  • prestressed
  • two-by-four
  • unreinforced
  • wattle and daub

course noun ( BLOOD )

  • be dripping with something idiom
  • brim with something
  • reinjection

course | American Dictionary

Course noun [c] ( direction ), course noun [c] ( development ), course noun [c] ( classes ), course noun [c] ( sports area ), course noun [c] ( meal ), course | business english, examples of course, collocations with course.

These are words often used in combination with course .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of course

Get a quick, free translation!

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Word of the Day

play for time

to delay until you are ready

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

what is meaning of course work

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  • course (CLASSES)
  • course (SPORTS AREA)
  • course (DEVELOPMENT)
  • in the course of time
  • with the course of time
  • course (DIRECTION)
  • change course
  • course (MEAL)
  • course (MEDICAL TREATMENT)
  • course (LAYER)
  • course (BLOOD)
  • Business    Noun
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Cree name unveiled for new park at site of former Regent golf course

The new public space is now officially called Māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park, a named gifted through Indigenous ceremony.

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Article content

A new name for the park formerly known as Regent Par 3 Golf Course has been officially unveiled after many years of work to revitalize the property in the Coronation Park neighbourhood.

The newly developed green space is now known as Māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park, a Cree phrase that means “gathering of happiness and joy.” The name is intended to reflect “the feelings of children and community members as they enjoy the park’s many amenities,” says a news release from the City of Regina.

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The new moniker was celebrated with a special event on Thursday, featuring remarks from members of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, City of Regina, and Coronation Park Community Association. The day was marked by a pipe ceremony, followed by a feast and round dance.

The park’s name was originally “gifted” last summer through an Indigenous ceremony led by Life Speakers, Pipe Carriers, and Helpers from File Hills.

Work to convert the former golf course into a public park was largely completed in 2022 after five years of planning. That included “extensive community consultation” such as public surveys, planning sessions and design meetings, says the news release.

The park offers an accessible playground, an off-leash dog park, a spray pad, washroom facilities and a number of multi-use pathways. A disc golf course, picnic area and multi-use sports field were added in 2023.

The city embarked on a renaming process in conjunction with the park’s opening in 2022. The Civic Naming Committee guidelines state that 25 per cent of street names and 50 per cent of park names in new neighbourhoods should have a name “with Indigenous connection.”

Regent Par 3 is the most recent city property to be renamed accordingly.

Others include: Big Bear Boulevard, named after Chief Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear), who advocated strongly for Indigenous rights in the mid-1800s ; Okimasis Park in the Creeks, named after Cree language expert Jean Okimasis; and mâmawêyatitân Park, which utilizes a Cree word meaning “let’s be all together.” The park is located just behind a North Central community centre with the same name.

In 2021, the former Dewdney Avenue park and pool was renamed Buffalo Meadows Pool and Buffalo Meadows Park. The change was made in an effort to no longer honour former politician Edgar Dewdney, known for contributing to the controversial Indigenous relations policies of Canada’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald.

A motion to rename Dewdney Avenue was recently considered in August, but it was r ejected by city council.

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IMAGES

  1. Definition of coursework

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  2. What is Coursework and Why Coursework Matters So Much

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  3. How to Write a Coursework

    what is meaning of course work

  4. What Is a Coursework and How to Write a Paper: A Simple Guide

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  5. A Simple Guide on How to Write a Coursework

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  6. Guidelines and Steps for Writing a Coursework

    what is meaning of course work

VIDEO

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  6. 2000 English Vocabulary Words Meaning Course In Urdu Translations |Class 16 #english #video #viral

COMMENTS

  1. Coursework Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of COURSEWORK is work that is assigned or performed as part of a course of study. How to use coursework in a sentence.

  2. COURSEWORK

    COURSEWORK definition: 1. work set at regular periods as part of an educational course 2. work set at regular periods as…. Learn more.

  3. Coursework

    Coursework - Wikipedia ... Coursework

  4. COURSEWORK Definition & Meaning

    Coursework definition: the work required of a student in a particular course of study; classroom work. . See examples of COURSEWORK used in a sentence.

  5. COURSEWORK

    COURSEWORK meaning: 1. work set at regular periods as part of an educational course 2. work set at regular periods as…. Learn more.

  6. COURSE WORK definition and meaning

    2 meanings: education 1. the work students do during a school or university course 2. the assessment of students on the basis.... Click for more definitions.

  7. Meaning of coursework

    COURSEWORK definition: work done by students as part of their course of study. Learn more.

  8. Coursework

    work assigned to and done by a student during a course of study; usually it is evaluated as part of the student's grade in the course

  9. coursework noun

    Definition of coursework noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  10. coursework

    coursework meaning, definition, what is coursework: work students do during a course of stud...: Learn more.

  11. COURSEWORK definition and meaning

    Written or oral work completed by a student within a given period, which is assessed as an.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

  12. What is Coursework? Сoursework Definition, Meaning and Types

    The coursework definition, especially the term "curriculum-mandated" signifies that instructors are required to assign coursework within certain guidelines. This aspect of academic work is crucial as it extends learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. While some coursework may involve practical tasks conducted within the classroom ...

  13. Coursework Meaning & Definition: A Complete Guide

    Coursework is practical work or studies completed by a student in partial fulfilment of training or degree. Coursework includes projects, fieldwork, design studies, extensive college essays, and other activities. The type of work required varies on the course. It is mostly a part of the learning process and a step towards preparing students to ...

  14. What Is a Coursework and How to Write a Paper: A Simple Guide

    As a result, to write coursework, students thoroughly research their topics, create detailed outlines, adhere to specified formats, draft their content clearly and concisely, and proofread their papers for any mistakes. Step 1: Preparation. Planning or preparation is the first step in writing a coursework paper.

  15. What is Coursework?

    Coursework is a practical work or study done by a student in partial fulfilment of a degree or training. Projects, field work, design studies, long essays etc constitutes a coursework. The nature of work which requires to be carried out depends on the course. It is largely a part of learning exercise and a step to prepare you to handle the ...

  16. Coursework Examples, Definition, Full Writing Guide

    Coursework definition: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework is a typical academic assignment, given in the course of study to evaluate the student's knowledge, skills, and identify the final grade. Many students face this type of writing in the US colleges. One of the examples is a coursework UTD (The University of ...

  17. What is Coursework?

    Coursework that requires writing: Carry out superficial research on the topic of your coursework. Settle on your topic. Work on the structure of your coursework. Make a summary or an abstract and confirm it with your instructor. Conduct profound research to find all the information you need.

  18. Course Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of COURSE is the act or action of moving in a path from point to point. How to use course in a sentence. the act or action of moving in a path from point to point; the path over which something moves or extends: such as; racecourse… See the full definition. Games & Quizzes; Games & Quizzes ...

  19. COURSE WORK definition in American English

    or coursework (kɔːs wɜːk ) noun education. 1. the work students do during a school or university course. Some 20 per cent of marks are awarded for coursework. 2. the assessment of students on the basis of the work they do during a course, rather than in exams. varied schemes of assessment including coursework, examinations, etc.

  20. meaning

    The uses and meanings of 'course', 'class' and 'lesson' vary considerably between North American English and British English. North American English. course. This means a series of classes, on a particular subject, usually lasting a whole semester or year. It does not mean a "course of study"; for this North American English uses "program" or ...

  21. What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a ...

    What's the difference between a Masters by Coursework and a ...

  22. COURSE

    COURSE meaning: 1. a set of classes or a plan of study on a particular subject, usually leading to an exam or…. Learn more.

  23. Job Enlargement: A Strategic Way to Develop Employees

    Job enlargement is a professional enrichment strategy that seeks to engage employees by giving them additional responsibilities that expand their current skill set and facilitate career growth.Through this process, human resources professionals broaden the scope of an employee's job scope, creating a more challenging and diversified work environment that helps further develop skills and ...

  24. What Is ChatGPT? (And How to Use It)

    It does not understand the meaning of the text it generates. While some output from ChatGPT may sound humanlike, the model isn't human. This has a few implications. It may be limited to handle nuance, ambiguity, sarcasm, or irony. Perhaps more problematic is the fact that it can generate text that sounds plausible but is incorrect or even ...

  25. COURSE

    COURSE definition: 1. a set of classes or a plan of study on a particular subject, usually leading to an exam or…. Learn more.

  26. Cree name unveiled for new park at site of former Regent golf course

    A new name for the park formerly known as Regent Par 3 Golf Course has been officially unveiled after many years of work to revitalize the property in the Coronation Park neighbourhood. The newly ...