Instructors have the option of opening the course early for students. They can open the course up-to one week prior to the official start date. But cannot require ANY TYPE of work done prior to the first day of class. 

Step 1: Login to the course, locate the Settings tab at the top of the course and click to enter. 

Step 2: From the General tab, locate the Course visibility drop down menu, change from Hide to Show

Step 3: At the bottom of the page, click on Save and display button. Your course is now available to the students.