"How to Study the Bahá'í Writings"
(Dec. 15, 2003-Mar. 15, 2004)

TOPIC: Have you ever read a passage from the Bahá'í writings and had no idea what it was about? It has been said that the Bahá'í sacred writings contain the answers to all the world's questions, but if one does not know the questions one cannot discern the answers. The course aims to provide an understanding of terms used in the Bahá'í writings; the use of allegory, metaphor, simile, and figurative language; the importance of understanding genres in interpreting their texts; and techniques for improving one's comprehension.

DATES: Dec. 15, 2003 to Mar. 15, 2004

TEXTS: John Hatcher's The Ocean of His Words and supplemental readings assembled by the Wilmette Institute.

FACULTY:
Nabil Fares
Sandra Hutchison
Habib Riazati
Robert Stockman
Peter Terry

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 course is conducted primarily via the Worldwide Web. 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. The course is divided into a series of units, each of which involves reading from various texts and articles and discussing them either on the course's web-based "discussion boards," or on the course's email-based listserver, or by voluntary participation in conference calls. Because of the speed and efficiency of e-mail, students must have an e-mail account to take the course.

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

SUPPORT PROVIDED:

C. Contact with fellow students and faculty through the discussion boards and the 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 materials.

F. Assistance in planning a presentation (fireside, deepening, or local study class) on the course's subject and in completing 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 (the equivalent of a first-year university course), or the advanced level (equivalent to graduate school work). The Wilmette Institute can help you obtain college credit for the intermediate level if you are a university student.

GRADING OPTIONS: The course is usually taken 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 (such as this one). 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 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 nine days of intensive study each summer in Wilmette and ten months of home study.