As a student, course material can be a valuable resource when writing a paper or conducting research. If you’re wondering how to cite course material in the Harvard referencing style, you’ve come to the right place!
While we’ll provide the details for the Open University style of Harvard referencing, it’s important to note that the Harvard style varies across institutions, so make sure you check your style guide.
In-text Citations for Course Material
To cite course material in the text, as with any Harvard in-text citation, you’ll need the author’s surname and the year it was published:
According to Hodges (2020), citrus trees thrive in the desert climate.
And if you include a direct quote, you’ll need to add the page numbers as well:
Hodges says that citrus trees grow well “in dry, hot environments” (2020, p. 4).
If the source has two authors, include both names separated by “and.” If there are three or more authors, only include the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
Adding Course Material to the Reference List
For the reference list entry, format the source information like this:
Author, A. (year). Title of Course. Place of publication: Publisher.
If the course material is from a specific section of the course, such as a unit or block, include that information as well:
Author, A. (year). “Title of standalone unit or block,” Title of Course. Place of publication: Publisher.
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Here are a couple of reference list entries using our example above:
Hodges, T. (2020). Botany and Horticulture. New Jersey: Jersey Publishers.
Hodges, T. (2020). “Planting Citrus Trees,” Botany and Horticulture. New Jersey: Jersey Publishers.
Harvard Variations and Proofreading
As we mentioned, Harvard has many variations, so make sure you check your institution’s style guide for any unique requirements. If there’s something you’re unsure about, the important thing is to keep everything consistent.
Once you’ve finished writing your paper, be sure to send it our way! Our editors will check your work for spelling, grammar, word choice, and punctuation – as well as correct referencing for any style! Why not submit a free sample today?
FAQs
How do you cite course material in Harvard referencing?
In-text citations for Harvard referencing follow the same format as other Harvard citations, with the author and date included in parentheses: (Lewis, 2022).
How do you reference course material in Harvard?
For the reference list entry, follow this format: Author, A. (year). Title of Course. Place of publication: Publisher.