Wilmette Institute course -- Chinese Religions for Dialogue and Deepening
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Posted by Jonah on November 11, 1999 at 06:58:56:
Wilmette Institute
Study of the Bahá'í Faith Program
World Religions: An Integrative Approach
Chinese Religions for Deepening and Dialogue
TOPIC: The course will cover the rise and development of both the Confucian and Taoist traditions; explore their ideas, values, and practices; consider the ways they are being modified and applied in the modern world; and consider their points of similarity to the Bahá'í Faith. By studying Chinese thought and values Bahá'ís should obtain a greater appreciation of the Bahá'í Faith and acquire experience in relating the Faith to Chinese people in an informed and respectful manner.
DATES: December 1, 1999, to January 31, 2000
TEXTS: All are available from the Institute.
Chapter on Confucianism and Taoism in Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions, 3rd ed. ($35)
Chapters on Confucianism and Taoism in James Fieser and John Powers, Scriptures of the World's Religions ($22)
Phyllis Ghim Lian Chew, The Chinese Religion and the Bahá'í Faith ($12.95)
FACULTY:
Mr. Albert Cheung
Dr. Phyllis Ghim Lian Chew
Mr. Dann May
Dr. Robert Stockman
TUITION: $100 (Textbooks NOT included; $5 shipping NOT included)
A twenty percent tuition 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). Larger discounts are available for even larger groups who plan to study the course together.
There are no residential requirements as the course is conducted by correspondence and over the internet. The course is not part of the Spiritual Foundations program, which has a residential component.
College credit and scholarships may be available. Contact the registrar.
LEVELS OF STUDY:
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 takes five to ten hours of work each week and will involve:
A. Reading and using the knowledge acquired. The course has three units involving reading about Chinese religion, its texts, and its relationship to the Bahá'í Faith, respectively, for each which study questions are provided. Students wishing to take the course at the "introductory" level complete a learning self-assessment; those wishing to be challenged further can take the course at the "intermediate level" by completing a "religion study outline" about Chinese religion. All students must also complete one other learning project of their choice, such as giving a fireside, creating curricular materials for a local study class, completing an artistic project, or writing an essay.
B. Assistance by a mentor/advisor who reviews and comments on all homework and answers questions.
C. For those who are part of local study groups, discussion assignments are provided.
D. Participation in "TAO," the course's e-mail discussion group. Because of the speed and efficiency that e-mail provides, all students are urged to acquire e-mail for the course.
E. Access to the course's password-protected web site, which includes additional study material and completed sample homework assignments.
F. Voluntary participation in conference calls with up to five other students and a faculty member.
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). Those wishing to take it at the "advanced" (graduate-school) level should contact the Institute ahead of time.
Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091-2849; 847-733-3415 (tel); 847-733-3563 (FAX); 847-733-3595 (automated 24-hour information line); info@wilmetteinstitute.org (e-mail); http://wilmetteinstitute.org (web site)
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