<p>dallas808 - you mean it's taught by Harvard faculty?</p>
<p>I recently was browsing the Web for linear algebra courses taught with a certain textbook, and also for introductory life science courses. There ARE differences between some of the courses on offer through the Harvard Extension School (open admission) and those offered by Harvard College (famously selective admission). So one has to evaluate the appropriateness of Harvard Extension School courses for a particular learner on a case-by-base basis. For young people living in the environs of Cambridge, MA and still going to high school, the Harvard Extension School courses are hard to beat, just as the state university courses available to high school students here as Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) courses are hard to beat. But for a distance learning student, there are many competing providers, and Harvard Extension may or may not be the most value for the dollar in that case--check course by course and shop around.</p>
<p>The course I took was offered by the School of Public Health, so my two professors were from there. However, I never communicated with either of them directly - the three TA's handled all that, just as dallas808 said. Their lectures were taped from last fall and our section meetings were led by TA's. It's not the Harvard experience, but it's a great way to learn about a topic that interests you.</p>
<p>tokenadult - I might do that at some point (not these holidays, too late) but do you have any particular recommendations?</p>
<p>Hi, Ace is Back, what subjects would you like to study? I see you are overseas (with respect to the United States), so you would be dealing with time zone differences and how good your Internet connection is.</p>
<p>Hi, well I'm interested in quite a range but to give a rough idea: economics, philosophy, politics, modern American literature, international relations, something interesting about China - be it Chinese politics, economics or society.</p>
<p>I'd be in Shanghai during the holidays, and we have broadband over here. It's about 7/8 hours difference between Shanghai and London, if that helps.</p>
<p>Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Yes, most of my classes are taught by the same Harvard professors who teach similar courses at the Harvard College, Harvard Business School and JFK School of Government.</p>
<p>In recent years, one pays less for the undergraduate credit (around $650) and more for graduate credit (between $1500 - $2000). Non-credit option is also available for some classes. The best way to explore the paper catalog or browse online at <a href="http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2006-07/courses%5B/url%5D">http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2006-07/courses</a></p>
<p>The tuition for summer classes tend to be a bit higher (under $2200).</p>
<p>I personally have not taken any course not taught by Harvard-affliated faculty or instructor. So, as tokenadult wisely suggested, do "shop around". Fortunately, the first week of class is usually the "shopping week" at Harvard. One can simply sit in the lecture or section or watch the videos (if available) before register.</p>