Sign up for our free online course at www.futurelearn.com/courses/introducing-humanism. The next run will begin on 23 July.
Earlier this year, Humanists UK launched the world’s first massive open online course (MOOC) on humanism: Introducing humanism: non-religious approaches to life. The response has been phenomenal.
Over 10,000 people from 120 different countries signed up for the course on the FutureLearn social-learning platform, and nine out of ten learners said they enjoyed the course and were likely to recommend it to others. With the course due to run several times a year, it is hoped that tens of thousands of people will be using it to learn more about humanism over the next few years.
The course is fronted by Humanists UK patron Sandi Toksvig and explores the humanist approach to life through contributions from well-known academics, campaigners, celebrants, pastoral carers, as well as members of the public.
Learners enrolled on the course for a variety of reasons. There were many people who already identified as humanists, looking to learn more about humanism from others who share their beliefs. Then there were those who described themselves as non-religious but who were unfamiliar with humanism and were keen to find out more about the humanist approach to life. Many religious people have also taken the course as they were interested in learning more about how those with alternative worldviews approach life’s big questions.
Humanists UK’s Head of Education Luke Donnellan commented: ‘It is fantastic to see so many people so keen to learn more about humanism. There is someone who has taken the course from almost every country on the planet. What has been particularly wonderful to witness is the nature of the discussions – it is clear that, whatever starting point someone is coming from, they are keen to learn more. If humanism is a conversation about the best way to live, then the more people taking part the better.’
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For further information, please contact Humanists UK Head of Education Luke Donnellan on luke@humanists.uk or on 020 7324 3070.
About Humanists UK
At Humanists UK, we want a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work helps people be happier and more fulfilled, and by bringing non-religious people together we help them develop their own views and an understanding of the world around them.
Humanists UK support people to learn more about humanism through a wide range of educational resources available on their education website Understanding Humanism.