Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Orientation provides students with information to assist in their transition to the online Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies. Students gain an understanding of program requirements, processes, and policies. The Orientation course provides valuable resources, such as who to call for course and program assistance, technology and library use, and student services.

Missiological Anthropology
This course explores cultural anthropology with special attention to the impact of culture on understanding and receiving the gospel message. Critical elements of political, social, religious, economic, kinship and other areas of anthropology are included to prepare students for cross-cultural ministry. The course provides a framework for cross-cultural workers to understand forces that shape people’s beliefs and behaviors, and the transformational power of God’s contextualized word in their own lives and the lives of those they serve in a cross-cultural setting.

Applied Anthropology
This course explores cultural anthropology with special attention to the impact of culture on working cross-culturally. Critical elements of political, social, religious, economic, kinship, and other areas of anthropology are included to prepare students for cross-cultural work of various types. The course provides a framework for cross-cultural workers to understand forces that shape people’s beliefs and behaviors as they interact with those of other cultures.

Mission Theology
This course focuses on developing a theology of mission (Missio Dei) for field engagement and ecclesial development. Focusing on the “Story of Scripture,” or Scripture’s “metanarrative,” the course uses narrative theology to develop an understanding of God’s historical engagement with people to establish current insight into his approach to the peoples of the world today. Special emphasis is given to the word of God as it engages different contexts.

Global Philosophy and Religion
This course focuses on developing a clear understanding of the impact of religion and global philosophical trends, arising from ancient historical writings through today’s global interaction.

Missionary Formation
Missionary Formation addresses issues involved in personal and familial growth in spirituality while engaged and immersed in the pressures and dynamics of cross-cultural ministry. The course develops strategies and continuing practices required to satisfy the needs of both children and parents under the stress of working in a context that demands high levels of change in family, social integration, and cultural isolation. Issues of conflict resolution and relationship building among team and family members are also addressed as a beginning to cross-cultural worker care.

Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Growth
This course addresses issues involved in personal and familial growth while engaged and immersed in the pressures and dynamics of living and working cross-culturally. This course develops strategies and continuing practices required to satisfy the needs of both children and parents under the stress of working in a context that demands high levels of change in family, social integration, and cultural isolation. Issues of conflict resolution and relationship building among team and family members are also addressed as a beginning to cross-cultural worker care.

Living and Working in the Muslim World
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of a chosen area of Muslim context in today’s world. Special attention is given to the religion of the area, cultural differences, and communication barriers and bridges.

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