The course is divided into three parts: a text, a workbook for students and a guide for teachers. The text introduces the concepts on which the course is based. The workbook contains 365 daily lessons that give students the opportunity to apply and experience the concepts on a practical level. The Teacher's Guide is presented in a question-and-answer format, addressing typical questions a student might ask; it also provides clarification of terms used throughout the course.

About how it all began

The course was written by Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, two highly trained and accomplished psychology professors at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Helen was the recorder of the Course and used shorthand to write down the internal messages she received. Bill wrote what Helen wrote. A Course in Miracles, first published in 1976 in the United States, took a total of seven years to complete. Helena wrote other brochures. Her Song of Prayer was released in 1977 and The Gift of God in 1978.

Over the past 34 years, a course in miracles has grown in popularity and spread throughout the world. It has been translated into 18 different languages ​​and more translations are in the works. All over the world, people gather with other like-minded students to read the course together to better understand the message of the course. In this age of electronic and social media, A Course in Miracles can be obtained in e-book format, on CD, and through iPhone apps. You can interact with other course students on Facebook, Yahoo Groups, Twitter and many other websites.

Experiencing the course

The course is designed as an aid for self-study. However, many students find their first interaction with the material difficult and overwhelming – the change in perspective it offers defies traditional thinking. Taking an introductory session with a trained facilitator or teacher allows for a gentler opening to these new ideas and a more fulfilling experience.

There are many classes and courses of study based on the philosophy of A Course in Miracles and even specific courses on key course concepts such as True Forgiveness or Cause and Effect. Such classes give students a chance to experience the theory and application of specific material more deeply. Thanks to such deep experiences, many students find the assurance of inner peace and the joy of knowing the Inner Teacher.