Q: When does the course end?
You have until March 17, 2021 to complete the course. After this date, the course will be set to archive mode. (In archive mode, you can still access course materials, but you can no longer earn a certificate and discussion boards will be disabled.)
Q: When is work due? Are there deadlines?
The course is self-paced, so the only deadline is the end date: March 17, 2021.
Q: How long does it take to complete the course?
There are 8 sections (~8 weeks) of content. The team estimates ~5-7 hours of time per section/week (NOT including readings).
Q: Why can't I access all of the course materials?
Some content in edX is available only to learners who have purchased a verified certificate. Locked content is marked with a lock icon, as shown to the right. Click the image to see a full-sized version. If you are using screen reader software, you will hear "Content available only to verified-track learners."
When you see this icon, it indicates there are one or more graded assignments on this page. Verified learners will be able to see and complete these assignments, which will count toward their certificate of completion.
In addition, audit learners will lose access to the course after a certain number of weeks. The length of time varies by course, and is noted on the course signup page at edX.org. This time is counted from when you enroll or from when the course begins, whichever is later. Verified learners retain course access indefinitely.
If you have questions, please use the Contact Us link here or at the bottom of the page.
Q: Do I have to purchase the readings/texts?
Purchasing readings is NOT required. The course team has provided links to free public domain versions of texts, when available.
Q: What grade do I need to earn in order to pass the course?
To pass the course, learners must earn a 65% or higher.
Q: How do I view my grade?
A summary of your performance in the course is available via the "Progress" tab.
Q: I am doing well on the assessments, but when I look under "Progress," I have a low grade. Why?
Your grade is calculated based on ALL of the assessments in the course, meaning those you have completed and those you have not yet completed. (EdX says you have a "zero" on those assessments until you have attempted them.) You will see your overall grade improve as you progress through the course.
Q: Whom can I contact if I have a question or problem?
For questions regarding the edX platform, you can contact edX. For questions about the course, post in the "Help" discussion thread.
Q: What is a verified certificate?
The following edX page provides an overview of the verified certificate option.
Q: How do I earn a verified certificate?
To be certificate eligible, you must:
- Upgrade to the certificate track
- Complete the verification process
- Earn a passing grade in the course before the course closes
Q: How do I upgrade to the verified certificate track?
The option to upgrade is available via the edX "My Courses" dashboard or from within the course itself.
Q: When is the deadline to upgrade to the verified certificate track?
The upgrade deadline is posted under the "Important Course Dates" section of the main "Course" page.
Q: How do I receive my certificate?
Certificates for self-paced courses are available on demand once you've earned a passing grade. The option to generate the certificate will appear within the "Progress" page and the edX "My Courses" dashboard. Once your certificate has been generated, it will be available within the edX course dashboard. EdX does NOT mail or email certificates to learners.
Q: I have a question about verification or payment for certificates. Whom should I contact?
Please contact edX if you have questions related to certificates. The course team cannot resolve certificate issues on behalf of learners.
Q: What information is included on my certificate?
The edX verified certificate includes your name, the course name, the HarvardX logo, the edX logo, the names and signatures of the faculty leads, and the unique url for your web-based certificate. The certificate does NOT include your specific grade or any information about hours of instruction. An example can be found on the edX help page.