Dare to Know! Humanist Courses Online
By Matt Cherry

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.

IHEU member organization the Institute for Humanist Studies has made its online e-learning materials on Humanism freely available to all. Starting now, anyone with an Internet connection anywhere in the world can learn about Humanism for free.

The Continuum of Humanist Education (COHE) is the world's first online, interactive Humanist educational program. The Institute for Humanist Studies founded COHE in 2004.

Previously, only the introductory courses on Humanism were free. Level two classes used to cost users $10, and advanced level courses used to cost users $25. Now, thanks to the generous support of a donor, all levels of COHE courses are free for all.

So far, more than 1,200 people from over 50 countries have registered as COHE students. Hundreds of these students come from the developing world, yet only a handful have signed up for the higher level courses which until now cost money.

"Even though $10 or $25 is a bargain for these high-quality courses, it's a significant barrier for people in the developing world," said Matt Cherry, IHS executive director. "I'm therefore delighted that IHS can now make these courses free to everyone. This reflects the Institute's commitment to remove as many barriers as possible from the advancement of Humanism."

Using twenty-first century technology, COHE strives to explore and advance Humanist thought in fresh and stimulating ways. Interactive exercises, student-controlled glossary options, 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 Sapere Aude -- Dare to Know.

COHE courses explore Humanist thought in history, philosophy, psychology, religion, science, ethics, activism and politics. COHE course authors include notable Humanist activists such as evolutionary biology professor Massimo Pigliucci, Ph.D. and former Humanist lobbyist Tim Gordnier, Ph.D.

Courses are immediately accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, with an Internet connection.

You can sign up now, using COHE's free, automated, no-obligation registration procedure.

To explore the FREE Humanist courses by Continuum of Humanist Education, visit: HumanistEducation.com.