The purpose of "The Baha'i Faith: A Comprehensive Introduction" is to offer a study of the Baha'i religion that is thorough, rigorous, and systematic, suitable for both Baha'is and any others wishing a basic overview of the Faith. New Baha'is might desire a chance to explore the religion they have accepted, veteran Baha'is to refresh and deepen their understanding, and non-Baha'is to find out what this Faith is all about. It covers the lives of its founding figures (Baha'u'llah, the Bab, `Abdu'l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi), the revelation of its major works of scripture, the history and development of the Baha'i community, Baha'i theological teachings, its concept of the spiritual transformation and development of the individual, its conception of Baha'i community life, and its principles for the transformation of human society and civilization.
WHO CAN TAKE THE COURSE:
Anyone, Bahá'í or not, who has completed a high school-level education (or the equivalent), anywhere in the world, may take the course. As the course makes heavy use of the internet, esp. email and the web, students would be encouraged to acquire internet access themselves or find a friend, cyber-cafe, or public library to borrow internet time.
DATES:
June 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001 late registrations will be accepted through June 15
TEXTS:
Students will need one textbook: The Bahá'í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion, by William Hatcher and Douglas Martin. You can either find or buy this on your own, or purchase a copy from us for an additional $11.95 (overseas shipping may be extra). The online application form has a place to check if you'd like to purchase a copy of this book from us or not. Students will also receive a collection of photocopied articles and other readings, which will be provided at no extra charge.
FACULTY:
Dr. Iraj Ayman
Dr. Fereshteh Bethel
Mr. William Collins
Mr. Bijan Ma'sumian
Ms. Farnaz Ma'sumian
Dr. Fiona Missaghian
Mr. Zaid Lundberg
Dr. Robert Stockman
Mr. Peter Terry
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 discussion. 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 or by voluntary participation in conference calls.
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 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:
Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation: A Comprehensive Introduction (Nov. 1, 2001-Feb. 28, 2002)
