Education in Universal Human Values A Programme for

Education in Universal Human Values: A Programme for Institutions of Higher Learning Initiated by the Bahá'í Academy to foster social progress Module 1: Moral Capabilities Unit 1: Introduction

Course Aims: o Developing leadership and moral capabilities o Becoming ‘The Change” and the “Change o o Maker” Expanding one’s vision about society and humankind Identifying one’s purpose in life Promoting unity and removing prejudices Applying new capabilities through service activities 3

Students will benefit in the following ways: o Improve communication skills o Gain confidence and develop personality o Acquire a global perspective o Develop their purpose and vision o Acquire new skills for personal change and social transformation o Reflect on and recreating a new mindset o Serving communities and developing leadership qualities 5

Methodology: o Interactive, participatory, cooperative and experiential such as: Large and small group discussions and activities, presentations, performing arts (Happy Hippo Show), educational games, service learning activities 7

Other important features: o Course is broadly based and universal o Does not seek to promote any particular school of thought, tradition or religion o Students meet with mentors regularly and access online support 9

Unit 1: Introduction 11

Introduction Two parallel processes are at work in the world: o disintegration of old world n signs of destruction of old world everywhere o crystallization of a world civilization n construction is a subtle process, but moving forward with force 13

o Placing fault on various components of the world’s systems is pointless o Eventually we must stop using simplistic answers and focus on viable solutions to humanity’s growing problems 15

o Looking for viable solutions leads to fundamental questions: n n Who will bring about the changes that must occur in the lives of people and in the system? Who are the supporters of such a change? 17

o A very common answer is: every human being has the responsibility to contribute to such a great transformation 19

Many questions arise relating to this transformation: n n n Are we ready for such a change? Can we guarantee that people’s collective power will not be misguided? What principles should guide this process? 21

One important question is about leadership n Necessary for society to function p Difficult to accept as leadership is often abused p Difficult to trust some leaders 23

So we need to redefining leadership n True leadership is to inspire and assist others to undertake noble acts 25

o True leadership is achieved through moral development 27

Reflection o Think about some words that are linked to the leadership we all find inadequate for humanity today. A few examples are: control, lead, impose. What are some others? 29

o Some examples of words that describe moral behavior are: assist, unify, facilitate. What are some others? 31

Reflection o Write one or two paragraphs about the kind of leadership that in inappropriate for to mobilize mankind to build a new civilization. 33

o Now, write a paragraph about the moral standards that enable humanity to arise and create a new and better society. 35

o“ Capability”? 37

“Capability” Component 1: Skills What are some of the skills and abilities related to producing a certain rotation of crops successfully? 39

“Capability” Component 2: Understanding Concepts What a are a few concepts, the understanding of which are essential in crop production? 41

“Capability” Component 3: Attitudes What are some of the attitudes required of a good farmer? 43

“Capability” Component 4: Spiritual Qualities Think of some qualities that would contribute to your ability of successfully producing a rotation of crops. 45

“Capability” Component 5: Information Can you give some examples of the categories of information needed to ensure farming success? 47

“Capability” n Possessing skills and attributes n Understanding certain concepts n Possessing the right attitudes- the way we respond to situations n Spiritual qualities are attributes of the soul, deeper than attitudes n Access to information 49

Discussion 1. The extended family: where moral capabilities are developed 2. The local community: the arena of service 3. Society: in dire need of moral standards 51

Discussion Discus the validly of this statement: “Moral influence can only be exerted through consistent practice of service to humanity. ” 53

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Review and Connect Review the unit and identify the connections in the unit to the needs of society and service learning activities 55

o Carry out the “Poster Sharing Activity” 57

End of Unit 1 59