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    Apply to this correspondence course

    Introduction to Bahá'í Theology

    TOPIC:

    Bahá'í Theology is neither highly abstract, nor excessively difficult, nor a narrow and specialized study. Rather, it consists of many of the most basic and central teachings of the Bahá'í Faith: its concept of the nature of God; how that God guides humanity through revelation vouchsafed unto Manifestations; the nature and purpose of the Manifestations and their successive teachings (progressive revelation and the Covenant); the nature and purpose of human beings and their physical existence; the nature of physical creation; and the nature of the next world. In short, Bahá'í Theology answers the basic questions human beings have always asked about the nature and purpose of life. The course should be a great help in answering seekers' questions about the Faith and providing a context in which other Bahá'í teachings fit together.

    DATES:

    November 1, 2000, to January 31, 2001

    TEXTS:

    Selections from Julio Savi's Eternal Quest for God, John Hatcher's The Purpose of Physical Reality, and other readings selected by the Institute will be provided.

    FACULTY (tentative):

          Dr. Iraj Ayman
          Mr. Zaid Lundberg
          Dr. Julio Savi
          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:
    1. Reading and using the knowledge you acquire. The course is divided into a series of units, each of which involves reading selected Baha'i Writings 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.

    2. Assistance by a mentor/advisor, who reviews and comments on all homework you do, and answers your questions.

    3. For those who are part of local study groups, discussion assignments are provided.

    4. Participation in "theology" 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.

    5. Access to the course's password-protected web site, which includes additional study material and completed sample homework assignments.

    6. Voluntary participation in conference calls with up to five other students and a faculty member.

    7. 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).

    Apply to this correspondence course


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