M.A. in Orthodox Spirituality

1. Credit Definitions

• One credit hour corresponds to one contact hour per week over the duration of the semester.
• One contact hour is defined as 50 minutes of instructional time.
• Contact hours may be delivered through face-to-face instruction, synchronous online learning, or structured asynchronous learning.
• Asynchronous learning hours are calculated based on the estimated time required to complete instructor-directed learning activities and assignments.

2. Type of Contact Hours

• Sessions of 50 or 75 minutes (face-to-face or synchronous online) are conducted without a scheduled break.
• Two-hour sessions include one 10-minute break, typically scheduled after 50–60 minutes of instruction.
• Three-hour sessions include either one 15–20-minute break at the midpoint or two 10-minute breaks scheduled every 50–60 minutes.
• Sessions exceeding three hours include a 10-minute break for every 50–60 minutes of instruction.

3. Weekly Schedule

For a 3-credit module, weekly contact hours may be structured in one of the following formats:

• One 3-hour session (e.g., 3 × 50 minutes or 2 × 75 minutes)
• Two 1.5-hour sessions (75 minutes each)
• One 1-hour session and one 2-hour session (e.g., 50 minutes + 2 × 50 minutes)
• Three 1-hour sessions (50 minutes each)

All scheduling formats ensure equivalent instructional time in accordance with academic credit requirements.

4. Module ID Key

Each module is assigned a five-digit Module ID (e.g., 10001), consisting of a one-digit cycle prefix followed by a four-digit unique identifier (format: 1-0001).

• Cycle Prefix (first digit): Indicates the level of study:
  • 1 – Short Cycle (associate degree) and First Cycle (bachelor’s degree)
  • 2 – Second Cycle (higher diploma and master’s degree)
  • 3 – Third Cycle (doctoral degree)
• Unique Identifier (last four digits): A sequential number assigned to each module within the same cycle, ensuring consistent and non-duplicative course identification.

This system ensures clarity, scalability, and alignment with international academic classification standards.

5. Grading Scale

6. Student Guide for Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Student use of AI tools is regulated according to a traffic light system, which defines the permitted level of engagement within each assessment context:

• Red (No AI Use – Prohibited): The use of AI tools is not permitted. This applies primarily to controlled assessment environments, such as face-to-face oral or handwritten examinations.
• Yellow (Assisted Use – Restricted): AI tools may be used for limited support purposes, such as brainstorming, outlining, or language editing. All use of AI must be clearly documented and disclosed.
• Green (Collaborative Use – Permitted): AI tools may be used as an integral part of the learning and production process, where explicitly authorized.

Principles for Student AI Use:

• Human Accountability: Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all submitted work, regardless of AI assistance.
• Transparency and Disclosure: All AI use must be explicitly acknowledged. Students are required to include a Statement of AI Use, provide footnote references indicating the tools and prompts used, and, where applicable, append relevant AI interaction logs.
• Data Privacy and Ethical Use: Students must not upload sensitive personal data, confidential materials, or copyrighted content into public AI systems without appropriate authorization from relevant individuals or rights holders.
• Critical Engagement: AI tools should be used to support learning and critical thinking, not as a substitute for independent analysis or original work.

Assessment Design Considerations:

• To ensure academic integrity, take-home assessments may be supplemented by an face-to-face or synchronous online feedback session, allowing instructors to verify student understanding and engagement with submitted work.