By clicking on any of the questions in this list, it will take you to the question and answer for that question below.
- Who should take Perspectives?
- What makes Perspectives unique?
- What different enrollment types are available?
- How much does Perspectives cost?
- Why does Perspectives cost so much?
- How can I register?
- Who will teach the class?
- Will childcare be provided?
- Where will classes be held?
- How often do classes meet?
- I took Perspectives in the past. Is there a discounted rate for me to take it again?
- What happens if I miss one of the class meetings?
- Perspectives sounds good, but what happens if I attend the first session and decide it's not for me?
- What are the important details on course requirements and grading scale for the credit and certificate enrollment types?
- Can I take Perspectives for credit?
- What schools offer or accept credit for Perspectives?
- I am a teacher at a Christian school. Can I get continuing ed credits?
- I have another question! Click here to contact your site coordinator (find your class, go to 'Locations and Contact')
Who should take Perspectives?
The short answer is anyone who wants a closer walk with the Lord, who is serious about gaining a deeper understanding of His ultimate purpose in the world. It's for anyone who wants to learn how to strategically invest their lives in seeing God glorified; for anyone who wants to gain insight and direction that will help them to impact their generation.
If the above describes you, no matter what your age or position, Perspectives is for you!
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What makes Perspectives unique?
There are many answers to that question. Perspectives has a unique focus. Perspectives has a long and singular track record in the business of opening students' eyes to the Bible, world history, international culture, and God's purpose for it all in a way that no other course can offer.
Perspectives is also unique in that a different expert teaches each of the 15 sessions. This allows you to be exposed to people who specialize in the area they cover.
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What are the enrollment types?
Note that not all classes offer all the following levels. Check the registration form for your class to see what levels are available to you. Link to registration page on 'my class'.
Certificate level earns a certificate of completion from the US Center for World Mission. It is the recommended level (over audit) for getting the full impact of the course. The instructors are fantastic, but about 90% of the course is in the text, and at this level students are kept accountable to read. This level is required by several mission sending agencies, committees, etc. for candidacy, and is required if someone wants to coordinate Perspectives in the future. The work involves about 2 - 3 hours reading per week, with weekly homework over the reading, and a project due at the end of the class.
Undergraduate credit is roughly 3-5 hours reading per week, with weekly homework over the reading, 2 exams, and a paper (10-15 pages) due at the end of the class. As with graduate credit, if students are planning on transferring credit, it is their responsibility to check with their advisor to ascertain their school's policy on transferring credit into their program.
Graduate credit is roughly 5-7 hours reading per week, with weekly quizzes on the reading, 2 exams (including several essay questions), and a paper (20-40 pages) due at the end of the class. Depending on the credit-granting school, there may be additional work required. As with undergraduate credit, if students planning on transferring credit, it is their responsibility to check with their advisor to see ascertain their school's policy on transferring credit into their program.
Audit level is not offered at every location. Attending class and listening to the lectures is the basic requirement. There are also two – four articles of highly recommended reading each week at this level. Students are asked to complete 5 Personal Responses (reflections on the course) throughout the semester.
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How much does Perspectives cost?
The costs vary depending on your enrollment option and location.
See the costs page for information (find your class, go to 'Cost & Enrollment Options').
Perspectives Alumni:
If you have taken Perspectives on the World Christian Movement in the past, you can audit the course again for free. Please pre-register as an alumnus online (find your class, go to 'Register Now') if you plan to attend most classes (no deposit required).
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Why does Perspectives cost so much?
In reality, the Perspectives course is a bargain. Each session costs a little more than going to a movie, but offers a far better return than mere entertainment. You are getting a glimpse into the eternal purpose of God in a way you will never forget. If you look at it in terms of investment instead of cost, the value of the course will far exceed the money invested.
The fees for the class are based on the travel expenses for speakers, administrative costs, costs for class materials, etc. This is necessary to ensure the quality of the program.
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How do I register?
Students can pre-register online or through options on the class brochure. See details here (find your class, go to 'Register Now'). Students can also go to the first class and register on the spot.
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Who will teach the classes?
Professors, missionaries, ministry experts and pastors from all over the US, in addition to local missions experts and pastors. For a list your class speakers, click here (find your class, go to 'Schedule and Instructors').
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Will childcare be provided?
See the locations page (find your class, go to 'Location and Contact') to check on the availability of childcare.
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Where will the classes be held?
See the locations page (find your class) to see where Perspectives is being held in your area.
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How often do classes meet?
Check your class schedule (find your class, go to 'Schedule and Instructors') to see the dates and times for your class.
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I took Perspectives in the past. Is there a discounted rate for me to take it again?
If you have already taken Perspectives, you may audit the class for free. It will cost the grading fee to take it at Certificate level (around $30), and the grading and credit fee to take it for college credit. Please pre-register as an alumnus online (find your class, go to 'Register Now') if you plan to attend most classes.
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What happens if I can't attend the class one week?
You will miss out on an outstanding speaker and fellowship with your classmates! In addition, there are often a limited number of classes you can miss if you take the class at credit level before your grade is lowered. Contact your site coordinator (find your class, go to 'Locations and Contact') if you have specific questions about this. It will be outlined in the syllabus.
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Perspectives sounds good, but what if after I attend the first session I decide it's not for me?
No problem. You may attend the first two sessions for free, and if you decide you can't continue with Perspectives, you may stop. Some classes have a non-refundable registration fee, so if you register in advance you will not get that back. Check with your site coordinator OR on the registration form (find your class, go to 'Locations and Contact' or 'Register Now') for details. Otherwise, you have nothing to lose.
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What are the course requirements, grading scale, and other details for credit and certificate?
That is listed in the syllabus. To see if you can get a copy before the class, contact your site coordinator (find your class, go to 'Locations and Contact').
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Can I take Perspectives for credit?
Perspectives has either been approved as a course by or has transferred in the past to many universities and seminaries. However, whether credit is offered or not, and who it is offered from, varies from class to class. Check your class' enrollment options (find your class, go to 'Cost & Enrollment Options') for more information.
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What schools offer or accept credit for Perspectives?
Check the website for the class you are registering for to see that class' credit options. It varies widely based on your region and class. For enrollment options at your class, click here (find your class, go to 'Cost and Enrollment Options').
Many classes offer credit through Trinity International University, which has a national partnership to offer Perspectives for undergraduate or graduate credit. High School students can ask their class coordinator if they can take the course for credit through Geneva College, which also has a national partnership with Perspectives. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that credit will transfer from these schools to their college or university.
There are many other universities, seminaries, and colleges across the country that have either offered or accepted transfer credit for Perspectives. Click here to download a list of schools that have offered or accepted transfer in the past (this is a partial list - students may always approach their advisor and request credit for the class). Whether your school is listed here or not, it is the student's responsibility to ensure they can get credit with their advisor.
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I am a teacher at a Christian school. Can I get continuing ed credits?
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement has been approved by ACSI for Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Biblical Studies and Educational Studies. Earn 3 Biblical CEUs and 4 Educational CEUs for use toward a Teaching Certificate Renewal. For application and instructions, click here (doc).
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