TOPIC:
The question of how to live one's life has been asked by human beings since the beginning of time and is a central aspect of all religions. Bahá'u'lláh's revelation, `Abdu'l-Bahá's lengthy letters of advice, and Shoghi Effendi's epistles describe the nature of God and reality, detail spiritual and moral principles, lay down laws of conduct, reveal prayers and spiritual practices, and encourage and admonish us how to live. The course will examine the spiritual life we are to strive to live and consider practical ways to live it.

DATES: Jan. 15, 2003 to Apr. 15, 2003

TEXTS: A special package of readings assembled by the Wilmette Institute.

FACULTY:
Nahzy Buck
Kurt Hein
Linda Mecouri
Francine Russelle
Robert Stockman

COST: $150
A 20% discount is available to local groups of three or more who pledge to meet together semimonthly to study the texts; to senior citizens (65 and older); and 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. The Institute may be able to assist students to obtain college credit.

The course may be taken at the introductory level (a basic course that will help students teach the Faith more effectively), the intermediate level (for more in-depth study) or the advanced level (equivalent to graduate-level study).

WORK EXPECTATIONS:
The course will take five to 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 with fellow students, either by e-mail (the course will have an e-mail listserver called LIVING) or by voluntary participation in conference calls. Because of the speed and efficiency of e-mail, students are urged to get it before taking the course.

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

C. Discussion assignments for local study groups.

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

E. Assistance with planning a presentation (fireside, deepening, or local study class) on the subject and with a final written project.

GRADING OPTIONS: The course is usually taken pass/fail with review and comments about assignments by your mentor. It may be taken for a grade (A, B, C, D, F).

Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Rd.,
Wilmette, IL 60091-2849
877-WILMETTE (toll-free voice and fax)
(877-945-6377)
info@wilmetteinstitute.org (e-mail) http://www.wilmetteinstitute.org (website)