The program acquaints students with a variety of cultural, historical, ecological, and personal forces that shape individual and social experience. This interdisciplinary education is designed for adults who have prepared for advanced college work through a combination of previously earned college credit and demonstrable knowledge gained from life experience. To carry forward the Institute's tradition of innovative approaches to education, students are encouraged to integrate and build on their life experiences and are challenged to broaden their perspectives and deepen their knowledge.
Students develop the skills of self-education.
Emphasis on collaborative learning allows learners to shape their own education in the classroom as well as through individualized study. Through an integration of cognition, emotion, creativity, and spirituality, the program provides an opportunity to rediscover oneself and redefine one's life's work and direction. The BAC program is designed for adults who may have work and family responsibilities. The curriculum promotes a broad perspective and incorporates the insights of systems thinking and ecological principles. Incoming students make a conscious commitment to this special learning experience facilitated by CIIS faculty and can expect that an important part of their learning will take place during the times the group works together.