MS 6520 Anthropology and Worldview Dr. Ray Meadows Missions Spring 2015
Anthropology and Worldview MS 6530 Mid- America Baptist Theological Seminary Spring 2015 Professor: Ray Meadows Class Time: Tue- Wed- Thur. 8:00-8:50am Department: Missions Office Hours: By Appointment Phone: 751-3040 Email: RMeadows@mabts.edu COURSE DESCRIPTION An introduction to the basic concepts of cultural anthropology which have practical relevance to effective missionary communication of the gospel in a culturally heterogeneous world. The course examines marriage, family, and kinship structures; authority and decision- making structures; status, role, and function; the life cycle and rites of passage; and other factors relevant to meaningful public confession of Christ and church membership in traditional societies. The section on worldview defines worldview and focuses on the nature and functions of worldview in human culture as well as the dynamics of worldview change. Major emphasis is given to the importance of worldview understanding to communicate the gospel in a relevant fashion. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND COURSE FORMAT General Learning Objectives 1. The students will understand the importance of anthropology for effective missionary service. 2. The students will gain a deeper understanding of their own worldview. 3. The students will come to appreciate the value of anthropology in understanding their target audience. 4. Students will commit themselves to the missionary task. Specific Learning Objectives 1. Students will be able to define culture. 2. Students will be able to define key terms in the field of anthropology. 3. Students will be able to list the characteristics of culture. 4. Students will be able to write an essay explaining the concept of worldview. 5. Students will be able to write an essay explaining the various missionary approaches to cultures. 2 Page
6. Students will be able to list the symptoms of culture shock. 7. Students will be able to write an essay explaining how missionaries can cope with culture shock. COURSE READING Stephen Grunlan and Marvin Mayers, 2 nd ed. Cultural Anthropology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988. Paul Hiebert, Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985. EVALUATION 1. Book Reviews: 20% of the final grade. Students will read the required textbooks and write a three- page review. The review should be completed in accordance with the guide provided by the professor. See course schedule for due dates. 2. Exams: 1 Midterm and 1 Final. 40% of the final Grade. Students will complete two exams. Seniors are exempt from the final. See course schedule assigned dates. 3. Term Paper: 40% of grade. Each student will write an 8-10 page paper on one of the topics provided by the professor. The paper must have a minimum of eight sources and no more than 20% being from the Internet. The paper must conform to the Seminary s Turabian guide. Paper is due on the Friday before the final exam. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Attendance: Attendance is a necessity in the learning process. In addition, the classroom learning experience is enhanced by attendance and participation. According to seminary policy, students are not allowed to accumulate more than 9 excused absences and still receive credit for a course. An excused absence is defined in the MABTS catalog as a personal or family illness, death in the family, or death or emergency on the church field which requires the student s presence. It is the responsibility of students to submit a written excuse to the professor on the day they return to class. Otherwise, the absence will be counted as unexcused. In addition to full absences, being tardy (entering the room after the bell has rung) counts as 1/3 of an absence; leaving class early without permission likewise counts as 1/3 of an absence; studying for other classes during the class period 3 Page
will be counted as a full absence. Obviously, students are responsible for all class notes, handouts, or assignments given during any absence. YOU WILL EARN A FINAL GRADE OF F IF YOU MISS MORE THAN 9 CLASS SESSIONS OR ANY PORTION THEREOF. Late Work: Work turned in past the scheduled due date will incur a penalty of 2 points per day late. No papers will be accepted past the last day of class. No papers are to be submitted electronically, unless specifically requested by the professor. Class Conduct: 1. All talking should stop when the bell rings. Students should be attentive to the prayer requests of other class members. 2. No one is to leave the classroom until the class ends unless it is an emergency. 3. Computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices may only be used for taking notes or other class related activities. Surfing the internet, texting, tweeting, etc. are not permitted. Students who abuse this policy will not be allowed to bring such devices to class. 4. Class is not dismissed until the professor dismisses the class (even after the bell rings). 5. Students should exhibit a Christ- like attitude and demeanor at all times. After a warning, points will be deducted from the student s grade for violation of any of the above rules. GRADING SCALE A 97-100 4.0 quality points per semester hour A- 95-96 3.8 quality points per semester hour B+ 93-94 3.5 quality points per semester hour B 90-92 3.0 quality points per semester hour B- 87-89 2.7 quality points per semester hour C+ 84-86 2.3 quality points per semester hour C 81-83 2.0 quality points per semester hour C- 77-80 1.7 quality points per semester hour D+ 75-76 1.3 quality points per semester hour D 72-74 1.0 quality points per semester hour D- 70-71 0.7 quality points per semester hour F 69 and below 0.0 quality points per semester hour 4 Page
COURSE SCHEDULE The professor reserves the right to change or modify the schedule, as he so desires. Week 1 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Week 2 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Week 3 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Introduction and Definitions Introductions & Syllabus Definition of Anthropology Definition of Culture The Nature of Culture Characteristics of Culture Components of Culture Components, continued The Organization of Culture Organization of Culture Organization, continued Important Concepts Week 4 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 12 Week 5 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Week 6 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Week 7 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Campus Revival Campus Revival Campus Revival Culture and Family Marriage and Family Kinship Sanctions Understanding Message Systems Primary Message Systems Primary Message Systems Primary Message Systems Understanding Worldview Worldview Worldview Worldview 5 Page
Mar 6-23 Spring Break Week 8 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 26 Week 9 Mar 31 Apr 1 Apr 2 Week 10 Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 9 Week 11 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 Week 12 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 23 Week 13 Apr 28 Apr 29 Apr 30 Week 14 May 5 May 6 May 7 Missionary Approach to Cultures Transformation Accomodation Mid- Term Exam Missionary Approach to Culture Indigenous Approach Indigenous Approach Contextualization Missionary Approach to Culture Contextualization Contextualization Radical Contextualization Missionary Approach to Culture Ethnocentrism Culture Shock Cultural Adjustment Cross- Cultural Communication Language Learning Principles of Cross- cultural Communication Chronological Bible Storying Facilitating Cultural Change Understanding Cultural Change Obstacles to Cultural Change The Missionary as Change Agent Redemptive Analogy Video Peace Child Explanation of Redemptive Analogy Critique of Redemptive Analogy 6 Page
Week 15 May 12 May 13 May 14 Dynamic Equivalence Dynamic Equivalence in Bible Translation Dynamic Equivalence in Missionary Practice Functional Substitutes Week 16 May 19 May 20 Final Exams Final Exams 7 Page
BOOK REVIEW WORKSHEET I. In no more than 4 pages, complete the following: II. III. IV. List the title of the book, author, and facts of publication in Turabian format. Beginning in the first paragraph - please give a brief biographical summary that focuses on the books written by the author, the achievements of the author and the theological persuasion of the author. Thesis. In one paragraph, please give a brief statement of the main idea and conclusion. V. Summary. Give a 1- page summary of the contents of the book. Keep in mind the author s purpose in writing. VI. Evaluation. About 1.5-2 pages, include the following: A. How successful was the author in achieving his purpose? B. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book? C. Discuss what you found of the following: 1. Literary Form 2. Persuasiveness 3. Comprehensibility 4. Treatment of Scripture 5. Biases D. What is your opinion of the book? E. Write additional comments you wish to make in evaluating the book that add to your report. 8 Page
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, M. R. Male Cults and Secret Initiations in Melanesia. London: Cambridge University Press, 1967. Beattie, John, and John Middleton, eds. Spirit Mediumship and Society in Africa. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1969. Benedict, Ruth. Patterns of Culture. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1934. Brewster, Thomas Bonding and the Missionary Task. Lingua House, 1982. Chew, Jim When You Cross Cultures. Singapore : Nav Media Singapore, 2009. Ember, Carol R. and Melvin Ember. Cultural Anthropology. New York: Appleton- Century- Crofts, 1973. Elmer, Duane Cross- Cultural Connections : stepping out and fitting in around the world. Downers Grove, Ill. : InterVarsity Press, 2002. Engel, James How Can I Get Them to Listen? Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977. Firth, Raymond [William]. Tikopia Ritual and Belief. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1967. Gluckman, Max. Politics, Law, and Ritual in Tribal Society. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1965. Stephen A. Grunlan, and Marvin Mayers. Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979. William A. Haviland, Cultural Anthropology. Forth Worth: Harcourt, 1996. Hesselgrave, David J. Communicating Christ Cross- Culturally: An Introduction to Missionary Communication. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991. Hesselgrave David J., ed., Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1989. Hiebert, Paul G. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985. - - - - - -. Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994. - - - - - -. Cultural Anthropology. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983. Hiebert, Paul G., R Daniel Shaw and Tite Tienou. Understanding Folk Religion: A Christian Response to Popular Beliefs and Practices. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999. 9 Page
Hiebert, Paul G., and Eloise Hiebert Meneses. Incarnational Ministry: Planting Churches in Band, Tribal, Peasant, and Urban Societies. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995. Hiebert, Paul G., and Frances F. Hiebert. Case Studies in Missions. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987. Hoebel, E. Adamson. Anthropology: The Study of Man. 4 th ed. New York: McGraw- Hill, 1972. Hovey, Kevin G. Before All Else Fails- - Read the Instructions: A Manual for Cross- Cultural Christians. Rev. ed. Kalinga, Australia: Harvest Publications, Brisbane, 1995. Institute for Contemporary Curriculum Development. Patterns of Civilization: Africa. New York: Cambridge, 1975. Kraft, Charles H. Anthropology for Christian Witness. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1996 - - - - - -. Christianity in Culture: A Study in Dynamic Biblical Theologizing in Cross- Cultural Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1979. Kraft, Charles H. Communication Theory for Christian Witness. Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 1991. Kraft, Charles H. ed., Readings in Dynamic Indigeneity. Pasadena CA: William Carey Library, 1979. Kraft, Marguerite Understanding Spiritual Power. Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 1995. Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Willowbank Report- - Report of a Consultation on Gospel and Culture. Lausanne Occasional Papers. No. 2. Wheaton, IL.: Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, 1978. Lane, Patty A Beginner s Guide to Crossing Cultures. Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity, 2002. Law, Howard W. Winning a Hearing: An Introduction to Missionary Anthropology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1968. Lincoln, Bruce. Emerging from the Chrysalis: Studies in Rituals of Women's Initiation. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1981 Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. Agents of Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross- Cultural Ministry. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996. 10 Page
- - - - - -. Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Mission. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. Lingenfelter, Sherwood G., and Marvin K. Mayers. Ministering Cross- Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003. Loewen, Jacob Abram. Culture and Human Values: Christian Intervention in Anthropological Perspective. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1975. Lingenfelter, Judith Teaching Cross- Culturally. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003. Loss, Myron. Culture Shock: Dealing with Stress in Cross- Cultural Living. Winona Lake, IN: Light & Life Press, 1983. Luzbetak, Louis J. The Church and Cultures: New Perspectives in Missionary Anthropology. American Society of Missiology Series. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991. McGavran, Donald A. The Clash Between Christianity and Cultures. Washington, Canon Press, 1974. Malina, Bruce J. Christian Origins and Cultural Anthropology: Practical Models for Biblical Interpretation. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1986 Marett, R. R. Sacraments of Simple Folk. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1933. Mayers, Marvin K. Christianity Confronts Culture: A Strategy for Cross- Cultural Evangelism. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1974. Mershon, Katharane Edson. Seven Plus Seven: Mysterious Life- Rituals in Bali. New York: Vantage Press, 1971. Nida, Eugene A. Customs and Cultures: Anthropology for Christian Missions. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1954. - - - - - - - -. Message and Mission. New York: Harper, 1960. - - - - - - - - Religion Across Cultures. New York: Harper and Row, 1969. Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. Translated by Monika B. Vizedom and Gabrielle L. Caffee. New York: Harper & Row, 1951. Reik, Theodor. Ritual: Four Psychoanalytic Studies. Translated by Douglas Bryan. New York: Grove Press, 1946. 11 Page
Rickett, Daniel, and Dotsey Welliver, eds. Supporting Indigenous Ministries: With Selected Readings. Wheaton, IL: Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College, 1997. Rommen, Edward Missiology and the Social Sciences Smalley, William A., ed. Readings in Missionary Anthropology II. Enlarged 1978 ed. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1978. Smith, Donald K. Creating Understanding. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1996. Storti, Craig The Art of Crossing Cultures. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press, 2001. Stott, John ed., Gospel & Culture. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1979. Teague, Dennis Culture: The Missing Link. Manila Philippines: OMF, 1996. Turner, Victor W[itter]. Ritual Process: Structure and Anti- Structure. Chicago: Aldine Publishing, 1969. Van Gennep, Arnold. The Rites of Passage. Translated by Monika B. Vizedom and Gabrielle L. Caffee. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1960. Vizedom, Monika B. Rites and Relationships: Rites of Passage and Contemporary Anthropology. Sage Research Papers in the Social Sciences. Cross- Cultural Studies Series. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1976. 12 Page