An Introduction History Founded 1995 Spiritual Foundations for

An Introduction

History Founded, 1995 Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization, 1996 -2005 Online courses since 1998 Up to 28 courses per year 4, 000+ learners in 15 years 25% outside USA from 60+ countries

Online Courses A collection of some 50 formally organized & systematic online courses on specific topics Courses designed for majority of adult Bahá'ís No face-to-face aspect to the course

Course Participation via Email, Web, and Phone Conferencing Course materials available via the Web Courses have webbased discussion boards Courses may include conference calls Your mentor encourages and gives suggestions

Students Use Course Materials to Give Presentations Firesides Deepenings Children and Junior Youth classes Ruhi courses Artistic presentations

Most Courses Last 7 Weeks Tuition: $100 for individuals; $80 for seniors, students, pioneers Generous financial aid available Group tuition: $240 Groups can have up to six members. Mentor can call the group when possible.

Six Types of Courses 1. Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and the Bab 2. Writings & Utterances of `Abdu’l-Bahá 3. Writings of Shoghi Effendi 4. Bahá’í Teachings 5. Bahá’í History 6. World Religions for Deepening and Dialogue

Course Series: Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation Early Mystical Writings Kitáb-i-Íqán Summons of the Lord of Hosts Kitáb-i-Aqdas Tablets Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Tabernacle of Unity Epistle to the Son of the Wolf Gleanings

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas & Related Texts Four-month course of study Reading the Holy Book with related texts Study the Aqdas in page order and in topic order 250 study questions Next offered in 2014

The Kitáb-i-Íqán and Gems of Divine Mysteries A course focusing on the Book of Certitude and Gems of Mysteries Uses Hooper Dunbar’s Study Guide A variety of study materials provided Course next offered in summer 2013

Course Series: Exploring the Ministry, Talks, and Writings of `Abdu’l-Bahá: Life and Ministry (2014) Secret of Divine Civilization (12/15/12 to 3/15/13) `Abdu’l-Bahá in America (9/20/12 to 12/20/12)

Course Series: Exploring the Ministry &Writings of Shoghi Effendi The Advent of Divine Justice (2014) The World of Baha’u’llah: Selected Letters (2013) Promised Day is Come (2014) Ministry of Shoghi Effendi 9/1/12 to 11/30/12

Course Series: Bahá’í Teachings Sustainable Development and the Prosperity of Humankind, 9/1/13 to 11/30/13 Mining the Gems: Development of the Individual One Common Faith, 2013 Living the Spiritual Life Intro to Bahá’í Archives, 9/15/12 to 12/15/12

Course Series: Bahá’í History Rediscovering the Dawnbreakers, 1844 -1853 Bahá’í History, 1863 -2011 Life of Bahá’u’lláh

Course Series: World Religions for Deepening and Dialogue Seven courses on the origin, founder, teachings, practices, and followers of the World’s religions Courses on the Tanakh, New Testament, and Qur’án Faiths are studied as integral parts of the religion of God

World Religions for Deepening and Dialogue Each religion course is designed to foster: Deepening (understanding the basics of the other religion and, by comparison, the Bahá'í Faith) and Dialogue (interacting with people of other religions and explaining the Faith to them).

Upcoming Courses: 8/15/12 to 10/3/12: The Tabernacle of Unity 9/1/12 to 10/23/12: The Ministry of Shoghi Effendi 9/10/12 to 10/31/12: The Baha’I Faith and the Arts 9/15/12 to 12/15/12: Introduction to Archives for Baha’i Archivists 9/20/12 to 12/20/12: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in America

Future Plans Moodle Course Management System upgrade in the fall Courses are becoming more sophisticated and have richer materials Ongoing faculty training Expanding use of audio and video Webinars Goal to serve college students and non-Bahá’ís better

The Wilmette Institute 536 Sheridan Rd. Wilmette, IL 60091 -2849 Toll Free: 877 -WILMETTE (877 -945 -6388) FAX: 847 -733 -3563 E-mail: info@wilmetteinstitute. org Website: http: //wilmetteinstitute. org Follow us on Facebook and Twitter