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The Institute for Humanist Studies has launched the Continuum of Humanist Education (COHE), the world's first online, interactive Humanist educational programme. COHE is now live on the Web at www.HumanistEducation.com.

Using twenty-first century technology, COHE strives to explore and advance Humanist thought in fresh and stimulating ways. Interactive exercises, student- controlled glossary options, audio of speeches, and a community bulletin board are just a few of the innovative tools COHE students will use to enrich their Humanist education experience. The COHE motto is Kant’s rallying cry from the Enlightenment: Sapere Aude – Dare to Know.

Modules are immediately accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, with an Internet connection. Some are open to the public at no charge whatsoever. Others are available at low introductory rates. The online payment system means that students can gain instant access, as long as they have a valid credit card.

Initial courses include:

•  Evolution, Creationism and the Nature of Science by Dr

Massimo Pigliucci

•  Psychology and Humanism: Understanding Ourselves and

Our Universe by Dr Reid Johnson

•  Religion and the Constitution by Dr Timothy Gordinier

(the Institute's own Director of Public Policy and

Education)

•  Developing Human Potential without Religion by Dr

Jeaneane Fowler

•  Sacred vs Secular Ethics by Lewis Vaughn

There is also a free demonstration course, Introduction to Humanism: A Primer on the History, Philosophy, and Goals of Humanism, written by Matt Cherry, Executive Director of the Institute for Humanist Studies.

Each cornerstone course is divided into three levels: Introductory, Basic, and Comprehensive. Completing each of these levels will take approximately 30 minutes, 90 minutes, and 5 hours respectively. Modules at all levels contain quizzes, essay assignments, critical thinking exercises, field problems, or other tools for self-assessment. These tests, some of which are auto-graded online, help COHE students to gauge whether their understanding of a module's content is strong enough to move on to the next level.

During this introductory period, the Area Overview and Introductory Level courses are available free of charge. The Basic Level courses are available for $10 each and the Comprehensive Level courses cost $25 each. The COHE courses are available at a fraction of the cost of most other online courses. This reflects the Institute's commitment, as an innovative not-for-profit organization, to remove as many barriers as possible from the advancement of Humanism. But it is also a way for IHS to thank the first wave of students participating in an experimental programme.

COHE students will become partners in this new adventure in Humanist learning. Since new courses and features will be added in response to student demand, student support and feedback will help COHE develop and flourish.

To explore COHE simply go to www.humanisteducation.com. We're sure you will enjoy the journey and we welcome any feedback you may have regarding your experience.

Matt Cherry is Executive Director of the Institute for Humanist Studies, New York.