Sept. 5, 2007
In September, children around the world start to head back to school. Few can expect to learn about humanism in their daily school lessons.
But the good news is that starting today 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 debuted COHE in 2004 with rave reviews from students and humanist leaders around the world.
But until today, 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 an enthusiastic donor all levels of COHE courses are free to all.
So far, more than 1200 people from more than 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, as an innovative nonprofit, 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 includes 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.
HNN readers can sign up now, using COHE's free, automated, no-obligation registration procedure.
To explore the Continuum of Humanist Education, visit: HumanistEducation.com Please help IHS spread the word about humanism.
