课程 (kèchéng) refers to a course as a structured program of study, like a whole semester's subject. It is broader than 课 (kè, HSK1), which typically means a single class period or lesson. 课程 often pairs with measure words like 门 (一门课程), while 课 uses 节 (一节课). 课堂 (kètáng) is a separate word meaning 'classroom' as a setting, not a synonym for 'course'.