Master level courses:

Introduction to Missiology - required course for all Masters level degree programs
Course Description
This course serves as a general introduction to missions. It seeks to integrate biblical theology, church history, and practical theology and apply these disciplines to the church's task of world evangelization. The course, therefore, is taught in four units: missions in the Bible, modern missions history, philosophy of missions, and applied missions.
In each unit the missiological implications of orality are presented and discussed.

Cultural Anthropology - elective course for Masters level degree programs, required course for degrees in Missions
Course Description
This course explores the various cultures of people groups and useful methodologies for understanding and interacting with them. It addresses areas such as ethnography, ethnology, animistic cultures and ethnicity issues within various societies. Included are in-depth studies of diverse manifestations of culture and cultural practices of various people groups. This course presents the important concepts, methodologies and theories in the field of cultural anthropology while considering a wide variety of cultures in various geographic and historical contexts.
As orality has direct impact upon all areas of cultural anthropology, several units of this course address the implications of orality upon cultural anthropology and ethnographic research.

Intercultural Communication - elective course for Masters level degree programs, required course for degrees in Missions
Course Description:
A study of elements operative upon individuals, groups, organizations, and larger societal units as they attempt to communicate in an intercultural context. Emphasis is upon increase of fidelity and effectiveness of cross-cultural communication.
Students will gain a clear understanding of the unique communication barriers when sharing among oral people.

Communication in Oral Cultures - elective course for Masters level degree programs
Course Description:
This course concentrates upon effective interaction with cultures of “primary oral learners”; i.e., preliterate people groups that are further characterized by a relational approach to life and non-linear, non-abstract thought patterns. The course seeks to prepare students to communicate with, teach, and interact with preliterate oral culture people groups in culturally appropriate ways utilizing narrative and oral tradition communication patterns.

Topics in Missions: Chronological Bible Storying - elective course for Masters level degree programs. This course is offered once every three years during the January intensive schedule. The course is scheduled to be offered in Jan 07.
Course Description
This course presents a study of the process and practice of cross cultural evangelism based on biblical and theological principles and the needs of a multicultural world setting. Special emphasis will be placed on using Chronological Bible Story Telling (Bible Storying) in missions settings.
As two-thirds of the world’s people are oral learners it has become essential for cross-cultural ministers to be equipped to share. CBS is one of the most effective communication methods available.

 

Doctoral Level Courses:

Colloquium: Issues in Orality - required course for Doctoral level degree programs in Missions (PhD & DMiss)
Course Description
To investigate the unique needs and challenges of the world of orality. About seventy percent of the world cannot, does not, or will not read. Seventy-five percent of the churches are located in the 20-25% of the world that is highly literate. This colloquium will acquaint the students with this part of our world and equip them with tools necessary for reaching and teaching them.

Ethnographic Research and Worldview Identification – required for Doctoral level degrees with a minor in Anthropology
Course Description
Ethnographic qualitative research focuses on understanding and describing, rather than predicting or controlling, human cultures and intercultural interaction. It contrasts with traditional experimental, empirical, and statistical (quantitative) research. Most missionary anthropologists find that these qualitative research methods are more appropriate to the study of human life and cultures in context. The central purpose of the course will be to come to understand various methods, resources, and tools for ethnographic research and worldview identification in order to make the most effective use of them in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Cultural Anthropology and Christian Witness - required for Doctoral level degrees with a minor in Anthropology
Course Description
A study of the discipline of anthropology from its widest descriptions to its narrowest applications in “Practical Missiology.” The central purpose of the course will be to come to understand anthropology, including oral cultures, in its fullest dimensions in order to make the most effective use of its lessons in fulfilling the Great Commission.