The word course has several meanings:

1. A path or direction of travel. A ship sets its course across the ocean, choosing which way to go. An airplane follows a specific course to reach its destination. The phrase of course means naturally or obviously, like saying “Of course I'll help you!” When something happens in the course of an activity, it happens while doing that activity.
2. A class or series of lessons on a subject. You might take a course in mathematics, where a teacher guides you through new concepts over weeks or months. In college, students choose which courses to take each semester. An obstacle course is a special training path with challenges to overcome, testing your strength and agility.
3. One part of a meal served at a time. A fancy dinner might have multiple courses: first an appetizer, then soup, then the main course (the biggest part of the meal), and finally dessert. Each course arrives separately, giving diners time to enjoy it before the next one appears.
4. A place designed for a sport or game. Golfers play on a golf course, which has 18 holes spread across grassy terrain. Runners might race on a cross-country course through woods and fields.