Exploring Shoghi Effendi's Writings Course Series
Introduction to The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh
TOPIC:
The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, composed by Shoghi Effendi in 1934, is one of the most significant works of his Guardianship. Whereas many religions arrive at an understanding of the station of their Manifestation and other significant figures through theological controversy, in one document Shoghi Effendi eliminated the potential for confusion and disunity by defining the stations of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and `Abdu'l-Bahá, and the nature and purpose of the Administrative Order. In the course of his explications, Shoghi Effendi interprets prophecies, defines some Bahá'í doctrines, and offers illuminating comparisons with previous religions. In short, The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh is a crucial summary of many of the Faith's fundamental verities. A thorough understanding of it is essential to any Bahá'í's deepening.
DATES:
April 1, 2001 to June 30, 2001
TEXTS:
Students should have copies of The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh or The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, which contains the letter; either may be purchased or downloaded from the Internet for free. Purchase of Morten Bergsmo's Studying Shoghi Effendi's Writings is optional. The Institute will supply other study material.
FACULTY (tentative):
Dr. Iraj Ayman
Ms. Sheila Banani
Dr. Rodney Clarken
Mr. Zaid Lundberg
Dr. Susan Maneck
Dr. Bonnie McCarty
Mr. Brent Poirier
Dr. Robert Stockman
COST:
$150
A twenty percent discount is available when registering as part of a local
group of three or more (who pledge to meet together semimonthly to study the
texts) or to senior citizens (65 and older) or to those whose service to the
Faith engenders financial hardship. Larger discounts are available for even
larger groups who plan to study the course together. Financial aid is also
available.
There are no residential
requirements, for the course is conducted by correspondence and over the
internet. College credit and scholarships may be available. Contact the registrar for more information.
REQUIREMENTS:
The course is taught at the undergraduate level of difficulty. Therefore, it
is open to those with a high school degree or equivalent.
THE THREE-TIERED SYSTEM:
All of our distance-education courses can be taken at three difficulty levels: introductory (roughly equivalent to a late high-school or early college level), intermediate (roughly equivalent to a standard undergraduate college course), and advanced (graduate level). Students in all three levels are assigned the same reading, but prepare different types of homework. Introductory students prepare an informal self-evaluation at the end of each unit, discussing what they learned and their reactions to or thoughts about it. Intermediate students prepare a more formal learning project for each unit, such as an essay, presentation, fireside, or artistic project. Advanced students, who will be mentored only by a professor with a doctorate, will work with their advisor one-on-one to prepare an individually-tailored course of study. Students at all levels will participate in the same listserver and conference calls, and receive the same course materials.
WORK EXPECTATIONS:
The course will take five to
ten hours of work each week and will involve:
- Reading and using the knowledge you acquire.
The course is divided into a series of units, each of which involves reading
part of Dispensation and related texts. The course offers a series of study
questions, learning projects, and sample tests, including
giving a deepening or fireside; doing an artistic project; or finishing a
writing project about it.
- Assistance by a mentor/advisor, who reviews and
comments on all homework you do, and answers your questions.
- For those who are part of local study groups,
discussion assignments are provided.
- Participation in "dispensation" the course's
email discussion group. Because of the speed and efficiency that email
provides, all students are urged to acquire email for the
course.
- Access to the course's password-protected web
site, which includes additional study material and completed sample homework
assignments.
- Voluntary participation in conference calls
with up to five other students and a faculty member.
- Completion of a final project that involves
review of the material studied, evaluation of what one has learned, and
systematic application of it to teaching and deepening.
GRADING OPTIONS:
The course is usually taken
pass/fail with review and comments about assignments by the instructor. It may
be taken for a grade (A, B, C, D, F).
RELATED COURSES IN 2001:
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf (Jan.15-Apr.15)
Secret of Divine Civilization (Jul. 1-Sept. 30)
