Sustainable Development and the Prosperity of Humankind
(Oct. 15, 2005 - January 15, 2006)

TOPIC: There is wide agreement on the need to achieve sustainable development, but its profound implications for human society are poorly understood. This course provides a general introduction to sustainable development and its goal, the prosperity of humankind, from a Bahá'í perspective. After summarizing the origins and definition of the concept of sustainable development as endorsed by world leaders, it reviews the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability, presenting first the problems world society faces today, and then the spiritual principles that can help us to find solutions. It then reviews the perspectives for the future, both those that show the unsustainability of the present system and the need for fundamental change, as contrasted with the Bahá'í vision of a new world order leading to the prosperity of humankind. The final substantive unit will look at the importance of education for sustainable development, reinforced with spiritual values, as the basis for helping each of us to detach ourselves from Western materialistic civilization, to re-examine our present lifestyles, and to begin to live more sustainably in accordance with the Bahá'í teachings.

DATES: October 15, 2005 to January 15, 2005

TEXTS: Bahá'í International Community, The Prosperity of Humankind.

Dahl, Arthur Lyon (1996). The Eco Principle: Ecology and Economics in Symbiosis. Zed Books Ltd, London; George Ronald, Oxford. 180 p.

Dahl, Arthur Lyon. Achieving Sustainable Development and Prosperity. European Bahá'í Business Forum (EBBF). available on line at http://www.ebbf.org/

Sustainable Development, compilation from the Bahá'í writings and statements prepared by the International Environment Forum

United Nations Environment Programme (2002). Global Environment Outlook 3. Earthscan Publications Ltd, London. 446 p. (available on-line at http://www.unep.org/geo/geo3/, and can be ordered on line)

Furtado, José I. dos R. and Tamara Belt (2000). Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability. World Bank Institute Learning Resources Series. World Bank, Washington, D.C. 116 p.

FACULTY: Peter Adriance, Arthur Dahl, and others 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?
It is conducted over the worldwide web. There are no residential requirements.

WORK EXPECTATIONS: Each course has five to ten study units. In each unit, one reads assigned texts and discusses them with fellow students on web-based discussion boards or by voluntary participation in conference calls. Local study groups should plan two meetings per month. The course typically takes three to five hours per week.

At the end of the course students are expected to do two things: submit something in writing to their mentor and complete some sort of presentation to one or more people.

SUPPORT PROVIDED: Each student is assigned a mentor who reviews your final work and answers your questions. All members of a study group will have the same mentor, who can telephone the group when it meets.

All students have access to the course’s password-protected web site, which includes supplemental study material.

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 (equivalent to a first-year university course), or the advanced level (equivalent to graduate school work). The Wilmette Institute may be able to help you obtain college credit for the intermediate level from your local university.

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 Program: 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.

Studies in the Bahá’í Faith Distance-Learning Program: 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.

Wilmette Institute
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091-2849
877-Wilmette (945-6388) (toll-free voice)
info@wilmetteinstitute.org (e-mail)
http://www.wilmetteinstitute.org (web site)