Learner-Centered Programs
What Makes our Programs Unique?
Our programs use a cohort model of 6-12 colearners working together through a careful progression of learning modules and program levels that build on each other. Modules use collaborative learning methods which are learner-centered, meaning the traditional role of an instructor who lectures as an expert is replaced by the role of a facilitator who guides the progression of group learning activities as an experienced colearner along with the cohort.
Available in both an on-site and online learning format, our flexible and portable programs allow learners to choose what suits their learning preferences. We arrange new cohorts year-round and work to accommodate the scheduling needs of all participants. Our on-site programs can be organized and hosted in any location in North America that meets two simple requirements: there must be a large Hindu temple nearby and some relational connections between local communities of Hindus and Christians.
In order to keep our programs affordable for participants, we raise funds as an organization to cover our fixed operating costs. The program fees charged to our participants cover the cost of running our programs to keep them self-sustaining.
Program levels that gradually lead learners into deeper understanding
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Program levels that gradually lead learners into deeper understanding •
LEVEL 1 PROGRAM
Pranām Level 1 explores some of the defining aspects of Hindu Civilization. It facilitates critical self-reflection on some of the subconscious cultural biases within North American Christian communities. It also exposes participants to cultural skills they can develop to overcome their own subconscious cultural biases. Level 1 consists of 30 learning modules and 10-14 hours of guided community interaction.
Modules in this level cover topics like: the complexity of defining Hinduism, valuing cultural diversity in worship, understanding cultural expectations and responsibilities within Hindu society, valuing collectivist identity when coming from any culture that prioritizes individualism, the shaping of Hindu identity throughout Indian history, sacred Hindu scriptures and their influence on Hindu society today, how our culturally defined cognitive processes influence how we relate to reality, exploring the value of orality within Hindu communities and ancient Biblical source communities, non-verbal and holistic communication in sacred space, the influence of the bhakti movements on Hindu civilization, the iterative nature of relating to the teachings and life example of Lord Jesus, a look at the mythology that informs what each Hindu religio-cultural community values, understanding the diversity within Hindu theologies, how our understanding of spiritual realities influences how we relate to the world around us, and incarnational communication.
LEVEL 2 PROGRAM
Pranām Level 2 explores some of the most acute religio-cultural sensitivities between people from Hindu communities and people from North American Christian communities. It facilitates critical self-reflection on specific assumptions within North American Christian communities that cause those sensitivities. It also exposes participants to cultural skills they can develop to overcome those specific assumptions. Level 2 consists of 12 learning modules and 10-14 hours of guided community interaction.
Modules in this level cover topics like: avoiding cultural separatism within religio-cultural communities, valuing Hindu identity, responding to communal barriers, developing oral communication styles, exploring cultural value paradigms, untranslated vocabulary and its hindrances to understanding, valuing non-verbal communication, becoming a better storyteller, living authentically alongside another religio-cultural community, social justice within Hindu society, women and gender within Hindu society, understanding the value of prasād within Hindu culture, and storytelling workshops.
Time Length
On-site:
7 days for level 1
3 days for level 2
Online:
11 weeks for level 1
6 weeks for level 2
Schedule
Workload
On-site:
500+ pages of required reading to be completed before the first day of the on-site program
Online:
70 pages/week of required reading
Online:
2 hours/week of video meetings with cohort
two-day on-site practicum at the end of level 1; three-day on-site practicum with cohort at the end of two consecutive levels
On-site:
7 hours/day with cohort
Cohort Interaction
On-site:
Guided sessions of spiritual practice each morning incorporating traditional Hindu cultural forms with the teachings and life example of Jesus
Breaks between each module, meals together, and optional time to socialize in the evenings
Online:
Online spiritual practice guide to go through on your own each week, guided sessions of spiritual practice during on-site practicum incorporating traditional Hindu cultural forms with the teachings and life example of Jesus
Private discussion forum for cohort members and facilitators to interact outside of weekly meetings
Community Interaction
On-site:
Throughout the program: community exploration, temple tours, Q&A with Hindus, traditional meals, and a public gathering for spiritual practice incorporating traditional Hindu cultural forms with the teachings and life example of Jesus
Online:
During the two-day practicum: community exploration, temple tours, Q&A with Hindus, traditional meals, and a public gathering for spiritual practice incorporating traditional Hindu cultural forms with the teachings and life example of Jesus
Cost
On-Site:
$1800/person for levels 1 & 2 (includes 10 lunches and some suppers, but no lodging, breakfast, or travel to/from on-site location)
$1300/person for level 1 (includes 7 lunches and some suppers)
$650/person for level 2 (includes 3 lunches and some suppers)
$14,400/group for levels 1 & 2 for groups of 8-12 people
$10,400/group for level 1 for groups of 8-12 people
Online:
$1100/person for levels 1 & 2 (including on-site practicum but not lodging or travel to/from practicum)
$850/person for level 1 (including on-site practicum)
$550/person for level 2 (including on-site practicum)
$8,800/group for levels 1 & 2 for groups of 8-12 people
$6,800/group for level 1 for groups of 8-12 people
Contact us for groups of 13+ people.
Academic Credit Opportunity
On-site & Online
Credit can be earned by both on-site and online participants. To receive academic credit, you must receive approval from your school and from the Pranām director before beginning the program. You must then complete at least two consecutive levels.
Pranām Community Membership
On-Site & Online
When you participate in any Pranām program, you become part of the Pranām Community with ongoing access to a private discussion forum with your cohort as well as an exclusive discussion forum for all of our alumni and donors. All Pranām alumni are welcome to repeat any level at up to a 90% discount!