Epicurus College

How many hours should I spend on the course?

It's entirely up to you. The course is self-paced with no deadlines — most people spend about 4 hours in total across the six sessions, but you're welcome to go faster or slower, and to log back in any time and pick up right where you left off.

Will I receive anything for completing the course?

Yes. Once you complete all six sessions — including each session's self-test lesson and quiz — you'll be able to generate a Certificate of Completion directly from the course.

How can I see dates and times in my own timezone?

Moodle shows dates — like when you completed something or when a forum post was made — in your own timezone once it's set. To set it:

1. click the small arrow top right of the screen by your name and profile picture;
2. click Preferences;
3. click Edit profile;
4. scroll down to Timezone and choose your timezone;
5. scroll to the bottom of the page and click the 'Update profile' button.

Is this course offered on a schedule?

No — Epicurus 101 is available any time. Sign up whenever you like and work through it at your own pace; there's no cohort, no start date, and no live component.

Do I need an account?

Not to read. Anyone can read all six session books as a visitor, without signing up. A free account (just an email address you confirm) unlocks the self-test lessons, quizzes, progress tracking, the class discussions, and the certificate of completion.

How do I post in the forums or send messages?

Posting and private messaging are open to Registered Students. Once you have an account, open your Membership Status page and send a short request telling us a little about your background and interest in Epicurus. It's free — we review every request personally only to keep the discussions free of spam.

I'm an experienced Student of Epicurus. What will this course teach me?

The course is designed for students who are relatively new to Epicurean philosophy, but it also introduces the student to topics of controversy in Epicurean Philosophy to which you may never have been exposed.  The approach to Epicurus taken by this Course, and by the EpicureanFriends community in general, is that presented first by Norman DeWitt in his "Epicurus and His Philosophy." This approach differs in substantial respects from that which you may be familiar through casual reading or mainstream instruction.  This course also provides the opportunity for experienced students of Epicurus to communicate with new students and help out in the forums. Please keep your responses simple and focused on the questions at hand. If you have any advanced questions, please ask them on the EpicureanFriends.com forums.

What about users whose first language is not English?

Course activities are in English but you are welcome to start forum discussions in your own language and encourage others to reply to you and form a learning community.

How long do I have to finish the course?

As long as you like — there is no deadline. Log back in any time and pick up right where you left off.

How can I leave the course?

You can unenroll yourself at any time from any course on the site by clicking the gear menu top right and then clicking to unenroll yourself as in the screenshot.

Can I print the books out?

Yes. You can print the whole book or a chapter. Click into a book and click the gear menu top right.