"Bahá'í Administration and Community Development"
(Mar. 15-June 15, 2003

TOPIC: The Bahá'í Faith is unique in religious history by redefining the role of the learned, eliminating clergy and placing the organization of the community in the hands of elected councils. It emphasizes consultation, a key principle for understanding the entire system. Bahá'í community life occurs in the context of an evolving set of institutions-Feasts, Holy Day observances, devotional programs, children's classes, study circles-designed to spiritually uplift, unify, and educate the Bahá'ís. The course will study the development of the Bahá'í administrative order and the evolution of Bahá'í community life through readings of Bahá'í scripture and of some writings about the topic. Some readings about human communities and their governance will provide context for understanding the Bahá'í system.

DATES: Mar. 15, 2003 to June 15, 2003

TEXTS: A special package of readings assembled by the Wilmette Institute.

FACULTY: To Be Announced

COST: $150 (individual); $300 (group) Financial aid is available.

STUDY GROUP: Any individual can plan a local study group (of two or more) in consultation with the Wilmette Institute or with a Bahá'í institution. The group must have an official correspondent, who will copy course materials and distribute them to the group. Members must commit to attending two meetings per month. Every member will have full course privileges (copies of materials, access to the course's web site, help from a mentor, and so on).

HOW IS THE COURSE TAUGHT?
The distance-learning course is conducted by correspondence and over the internet. There are no residential requirements.

WORK EXPECTATIONS: The course will take between five and ten hours of work each week and will involve:

A. Reading and discussion for individuals and study groups. The course is divided into a series of units, each of which involves reading from various texts and articles and discussing them with fellow students either by e-mail (on an e-mail listserver called ADMIN) or by voluntary participation in conference calls. Because of the speed and efficiency of e-mail, students are urged to get an e-mail account before taking the course.

B. Discussion assignments (two per month) for study groups.

SUPPORT PROVIDED:

C. Contact with fellow students through ADMIN, the course's e-mail listserver.

D. Assistance from a mentor/advisor, who reviews and comments on all homework you submit and answers your questions.

E. Access to the course's password-protected web site, which includes additional study material and completed sample homework assignments. F. Assistance in planning a presentation (fireside, deepening, or local study class) on the course's subject and with a final written project.

LEVEL OF STUDY: The course may be taken at the introductory level (an overview to help you teach the Faith more effectively), the intermediate level (for more in-depth study), or the advanced level (equivalent to graduate school work). The Wilmette Institute may be able to help you obtain college credit for the advanced level.

GRADING OPTIONS: The course is usually taken for pass/fail with review and comments by your mentor but may be taken for a grade (A, B, C, D, F).

WHAT LEARNING PROGRAMS DOES THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE OFFER?
Basic Sequence Distance-Learning Courses: Four distance-learning courses covering basic aspects of the Bahá'í Faith. One course is offered every six months; the entire sequence can be covered in a two-year period.

Beyond the Basics Distance-Learning Courses: Specialized distance-learning courses (such as this one) on a variety of topics (including the Bahá'í writings, history, teachings, and world religions). Some forty courses are rotated on a four-year cycle.

Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization Program: A four-year program including two weeks of intensive study each summer in Wilmette and ten months of home study.