Intercultural Commerce

Cultural Anthropology
This course is an introduction to the social science known as cultural anthropology. Readings, films, websites, lectures, reports, and an exam provide a survey of vocabulary, concepts, and illustrations related to this branch of anthropology. Class lectures, outside reading, and films provide more in-depth case studies on the Near East Bedouin, Western Apache, and Old Order Amish, among others.

Practical Anthropology
This course introduces cultural anthropology to Christian mission, with special attention to the application of an anthropological perspective. Students learn to examine the framework of beliefs, assumptions, values, and behaviors that shape people’s lives, in order to be more effective in ministry.

This course focuses on developing essential competencies necessary for business professionals, some of which include critical thinking, decision making, and the use of computer applications for problem-solving. Topics include Case Study Analysis, Project Development, and Application Software.

Students learn and apply macro and micro-economic principles. Topics include theories related to consumer and market behavior, determination of price, profit, output and GDP, supply and demand, fiscal policy, and distribution of income.

Students will study how to turn a model or idea into a profitable product or service, launch a new business enterprise, and take over and manage an existing business. Students will develop a business plan to demonstrate their ability to synthesize their business acumen.

This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in intercultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student’s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries.

Foundations of Working Cross-Culturally
Students explore the dynamics of cross-cultural ministry, fundamental team building, and issues of attending to personal and familial spiritual growth during ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Special emphasis is given to avoidance of placing children in at-risk situations due to the ministry of the parents.

Living & Working Cross-Culturally
This course focuses on practical strategies of evangelism and discipleship in a cross-cultural setting that results in indigenous-led churches which reproduce themselves by planting more churches. Special attention is given to contextualization, creative access strategies into closed countries, personal spiritual development, spiritual warfare, raising support, communicating with supporters, family dynamics, choosing an organization, and the changing role of the western missionary.

Islam, History, Beliefs, and Practices
This course presents a comprehensive and dynamic view of the mandate for Christian missionary activity. Students are challenged to a growing awareness that world evangelism is four-dimensional: biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic. A special emphasis is given to issues revolving around cultural and cross-cultural communication, along with how sensitivity in these areas can help further realize God’s global purpose.

Survey of World Religions
This course provides an introduction to the world’s major living religions through the study of primary and secondary sources. Students learn about the history and practices of these religious traditions through a variety of media. Each religion is allowed to speak for itself, but the course employs a comparative approach. Key aspects of Christian faith and practice are examined during the entire process.

Understanding the Muslim World
This course expands the student’s knowledge and understanding of Muslim culture, worldview, and practices.

Animism
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of folk religions and animism. Special attention is given to folk religions and animistic beliefs found in the world today, cultural differences, significant barriers to the gospel, and channels for better understanding.

Course description coming soon!

This course introduces students to principles and processes for developing a theology of mission for the context in which they serve. Emphasis is placed on biblical precedent and a practical approach to the local context.

This course is a study of the functions, roles, and levels of the manager. Students will study classical and contemporary management theories and principles. Other topics include planning (strategy and goal-setting, environment), leading (leadership, motivation, diversity, managing conflict), and controlling decision-making and change management.

This course is a study of the activities and processes used to create value for customers through product, price, place, and promotion decisions.

Students can complete Cross-Cultural Internship Preparation, Cross-Cultural Internship, and Cross-Cultural Internship Assessment for three credits. Or, the student may choose to do an Extended Internship in an approved setting (usually another country) for 3-12 units. Students should talk to their advisor.

This course introduces cultural anthropology to Christian mission, with special attention to the application of an anthropological perspective. Students learn to examine the framework of beliefs, assumptions, values, and behaviors that shape people’s lives, in order to be more effective in ministry.

This course focuses on developing essential competencies necessary for business professionals, some of which include critical thinking, decision making, and the use of computer applications for problem-solving. Topics include Case Study Analysis, Project Development, and Application Software.

Students learn and apply macro and micro-economic principles. Topics include theories related to consumer and market behavior, determination of price, profit, output and GDP, supply and demand, fiscal policy, and distribution of income.

Students will study how to turn a model or idea into a profitable product or service, launch a new business enterprise, and take over and manage an existing business. Students will develop a business plan to demonstrate their ability to synthesize their business acumen.

This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in intercultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student’s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries.

Students explore the dynamics of cross-cultural ministry, fundamental team building, and issues of attending to personal and familial spiritual growth during ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Special emphasis is given to avoidance of placing children in at-risk situations due to the ministry of the parents.

Course description coming soon!

This course introduces students to principles and processes for developing a theology of mission for the context in which they serve. Emphasis is placed on biblical precedent and a practical approach to the local context.

Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, students engage in a field context experience that integrates practice and theory related to missionary life, work, and growth.

Understanding the Muslim World
This course expands the student’s knowledge and understanding of Muslim culture, worldview, and practices.

Animism
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of folk religions and animism. Special attention is given to folk religions and animistic beliefs found in the world today, cultural differences, significant barriers to the gospel, and channels for better understanding.

This course is a study of the activities and processes used to create value for customers through product, price, place, and promotion decisions.

This course is a study of the functions, roles, and levels of the manager. Students will study classical and contemporary management theories and principles. Other topics include planning (strategy and goal-setting, environment), leading (leadership, motivation, diversity, managing conflict), and controlling decision-making and change management.