Journey of the Universe: A Story for Our Times Specialization

• What is the refund policy?

  If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.

• Can I just enroll in a single course?

  Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.

• Can I take the course for free?

  When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

• Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

  This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

• How long does it take to complete the Specialization?

  There are 3 six week courses.

  Students are expected to complete 2 hours of viewing online lectures and videos 2 hours of reading books and articles per week.

• What background knowledge is necessary?

  These courses are introductory and aimed at an educated public, ranging from those with college education to those without.

  No prerequisite knowledge is needed - just an openness to learn about the complex development of the universe, Earth, and life. Within this epic story we will explore the role of humans given our present social and ecological challenges.

• Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

  It is strongly recommended that you take the two courses on Journey of the Universe: The Unfolding of Life and Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action followed by The Worldview of Thomas Berry: The Flourishing of the Earth Community.

• Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

  No university credit is offered for completing this Specialization.

• What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

  Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand and demonstrate understanding of the unfolding of the universe, Earth, and humans by drawing upon both science and the humanities.

  2. Be able to recall, and to critically assess, the history and development of cosmological thought both as it has unfolded over time and also as it spans multiple disciplines in the sciences and humanities.

  3. Integrate the ideas found in the film, book, and Educational Series / Conversations with other areas of knowledge.

  4. Apply the methodologies and concepts learned in this course to environmental and social problems in creative, pragmatic ways.

  5. Engage critically with the concepts presented through this course in academic writing and research.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.