BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERCULTURAL STUDIES Johnson University A professional undergraduate degree created in conjunction with Pioneer Bible Translators. This program assists Pioneer and other mission agencies to complete the task of world evangelism, so that all have heard.
Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies Program Overview Johnson University PROGRAM PURPOSE The Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies (BA-ICS) prepares Christian men and women around the world for strategic, intercultural, and missional vocation in keeping with God s Kingdom Gospel among the nations. STUDENT LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES [NOTE: The JU online B.A. in Intercultural Studies is built on the same General Studies Core and Bible Major developed for the online B.S. in Bible and Ministry. The University faculty has already approved the coursework and student learning goals and objectives for the Bible/Ministry degree. The following goals and objectives pertain to the new online Intercultural Studies Major.] Intercultural Studies Major Goal 1: Develop cross-cultural workers who can articulate biblical, theological, and missiological foundations for their chosen ministry field. Objective 1.1: Students articulate the narrative of Scripture conveying the mission of God. Objective 1.2: Students articulate a relevant theology of the mission of God as it applies to their own cross-cultural ministry. Objective 1.3: Students articulate how their chosen ministry embodies the mission of God. Objective 1.4: Students articulate how God s Word impacts and transforms the local culture of a context Objective 1.5: Students articulate a biblical theology of action for accomplishing missions relevant to the mission of God. Goal 2: Develop cross-cultural workers who can successfully implement missional ministry within world contexts. 1 P age
Objective 2.1: Students exhibit beginning skills for understanding ministry-area cultural dynamics to contextualize biblical theology, theology of action, and ministry action. Objective 2.2: Students exhibit foundational skills for sharing the Gospel through relevant communication with the local context Objective 2.3: Students exhibit foundational skills for servant leadership in a crosscultural context. Goal 3: Develop student Christian formational growth conducive to cross-cultural ministry. Objective 3.1: Students articulate challenges to maintaining spirituality in a crosscultural environment as a minister, a family, and a mission team member. Objective 3.2: Students implement foundational strategies for sustaining and growing personal and familial spirituality on the field. Objective 3.3: Students exhibit foundational skills in mentoring spirituality. PROGRAM PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Goal 1: Produce cross-cultural mission workers for ministry action in cross-cultural contexts. Objective 1.1: At least 70% of graduates secure employment or association with mission organizations or agencies involved in mission worldwide. Objective 1.2: At least 75% of graduates demonstrate they are lifelong learners through continued degrees, reading, and further research conducive to professionalism. Objective 1.3: At least 75% of graduates express satisfaction with their preparation and performance Objective 1.4: At least 50% of graduates operate in international settings outside the United States. Goal 2: Offer an applicable, achievable, and affordable bachelor s degree for Christian nationals around the world engaged in missional activities in their own contexts. Objective 2.1: At least 50% of graduates operate in international settings outside the United States. Objective 2.2: At least 75% of students graduate. Objective 2.3: At least 75% of those who graduate do so within 5 years. 2 P age
Goal 3: Develop educational partnerships with mission agencies, churches, and other organizations that contribute to the ongoing development of current, relevant, and effective mission training programs. Objective 3.1: Assess and articulate ways in which Johnson University and BA-ICS partner institutions have together made valuable, innovative theoretical and practical contributions to the discipline of Intercultural Studies. Objective 3.2: Assess and articulate ways in which BA-ICS graduates have made valuable, innovative theoretical and practical contributions to the discipline of Intercultural Studies. REQUIRED COURSES [NOTE: The JU online B.A. in Intercultural Studies is built on the same General Studies Core and Bible Major developed for the online B.S. in Bible and Ministry. The University faculty has already approved the coursework and student learning goals and objectives for the Bible/Ministry degree. The following course requirements pertain to the new online Intercultural Studies Major.] Intercultural Studies Major ICS 2131 Exploring Mission 3 ICS 2133 Intercultural Communications 3 ICS 2232 Foundations of Ministering Cross-Culturally 3 ICS 3134 Cross-Cultural Church Planting and Growth 3 ICS 3136 Introduction to Linguistics 3 ICS 3235 Missiological Anthropology 3 ICS 3237 Language and Culture Acquisition 3 ICS 3338 International Community Development 3 ICS 4109 Mission Theology 3 ICS 4210 Methods of Culture Research 3 ICS 4311 The Gospel and Culture 3 ICS 4412 Area Studies 3 ICS 4413 Practicum 3 TOTAL CREDITS: 39 3 P age
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES ICS 2131 Exploring Mission (3 credits) This course presents a comprehensive and dynamic view of the mandate for Christian missionary activity. The student will be 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. ICS 2133 Intercultural Communications (3 credits) This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in cross-cultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries. 1. Articulate a biblical view of mission. 2. Demonstrate a clear knowledge of the historical role of mission in the church. 3. Explain the cultural dynamics of mission. 4. Identify a beginning strategy for mission as it relates to a specific people group. 5. Explain the need for partnership in world mission. 1. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of intercultural communication. 2. Explain the importance of non-verbal communications in effective communication and the manner in which non-verbals can impact the communication of the gospel. 3. Identify the influence of one s own cultural group on intercultural communication interactions. 4. Demonstrate sensitivity to the complexity of intercultural interactions. 4 P age
ICS 2232 Foundations of Ministering Cross- Culturally (3 credits) 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. ICS 3134 Cross-Cultural Church Planting and Growth (3 credits) This course introduces the process of planting and growing a network of biblically and culturally relevant faith communities in their setting. Building upon biblical methods, students explore the implications of contextualization in message formulation and the resulting communities of faith. 1. Develop a concise verbalization of the Gospel. 2. Articulate one s faith with people of different social and cultural backgrounds. 3. Articulate the principles of teaching and training for group Bible study with special attention to cross-cultural and oral contexts. 4. Explain the nature of team relationships on the mission field. 5. Explain the issues of child safety within the mission community and in crosscultural settings. 6. Articulate a clear understanding of Christian principles guiding resolution of conflict. 7. Articulate the impact of missionary lifestyle on individuals, families and team. 1. Articulate biblical methods of church planting. 2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the process of planting a network of churches. 3. Explain the necessity of planting biblically and culturally relevant faith communities. 4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the biblical church in various contexts throughout the world. 5 P age
ICS 3136 Introduction to Linguistics (3 credits) This course introduces the process of language analysis with the goal of enhancing the student's ability to learn language. Students gain a framework for understanding and identifying the sound systems and grammatical structures of different languages. ICS 3235 Missiological Anthropology (3 credits) This course introduces cultural anthropology with special attention to the application of an anthropological perspective to Christian mission. Students learn to examine the framework of beliefs, assumptions, values, and behaviors that shape peoples lives, in order to be more effective in ministry. ICS 3237 Language and Culture Acquisition (3 credits) This course introduces students to the process of language and cultural acquisition among people served on the field. An array of tools and practices are introduced. 1. Articulate principles of language study. 2. Explain syntax and syntax universals. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of phonemes, phonetics, and their impact on language learning. 4. Articulate the concepts, vocabulary, and problem-solving process involved in linguistics. 1. Articulate an appreciation for the nature of culture. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural subsystems in the matrix of culture, including kinship, social, political, economic, and religious organization. 3. Explain the concept of worldview in understanding both self and other cultures. 4. Articulate an understanding of practices and beliefs commonly associated with animism. 1. Articulate the importance of an organized approach to language and culture learning. 2. Explain the process of cultural acquisition. 3. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate techniques to develop second language competence at the novice level. 4. Demonstrate the management of language data. 5. Identify language learning resources. 6 P age
ICS 3338 International Community Development (3 credits) This course explores issues of poverty, primary health care, and microfinance for grassroots initiatives, as well as educational, economic, medical, and physical needs for community development. ICS 4109 Mission Theology (3 credits) 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. 1. Recognize key elements of poverty and change. 2. Examine a community's health needs in order to develop a primary health plan for meeting those needs. 3. Explain the principles of microfinance (small bank loans) for grassroots development initiatives. 4. Examine educational and economic needs of a community for the purpose of community development and growth. 5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the basic principles of international community development, including health, economic, educational needs. 1. Define mission theology in relation to field praxis in mission theology. 2. Articulate the nature of mission theology in the scriptures. 3. Explain the Biblical basis for engaging other religious beliefs. 4. Exhibit a beginning theology of Word Encounter. 5. Articulate the biblical presentation of cosmology and God s response to perceived powers, both physical and spiritual. 7 P age
ICS 4210 Methods of Culture Research (3 credits) This course introduces students to methods and strategies of anthropological research as a means for learning about the people groups with whom they minister. It gives attention to participant observation, focus groups, ethnographic interviews, and many other tools for cultural exploration. ICS 4311 The Gospel and Culture (3 credits) This course explores the intersection of God s Word, the cultural context, and the local faith community as they come together to develop a healthy church in context. The inspiration of Scripture, how God's Word is perceived, and how God's Word enters a context are addressed. ICS 4412 Area Studies (3 credits) This research course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of a chosen area of the world. Special attention is given to the dominant religions of the area, cultural differences, significant barriers to the gospel, and channels for creative access to accomplish missional goals. 1. Explain the benefits of cultural research for missions. 2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of anthropological research methods for understanding cultures, including participant observation, focus groups, and ethnographic interviews. 3. Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate cultural research methods for select situations in context. 4. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, analyze, and understand cultural similarities and differences through cultural research. 1. Explain the issues associated with intersection of Scripture and culture in the development of a strong faith community. 2. Explain the impact context can make on the appearance of the church throughout the world while those churches remain biblical in approach. 3. Develop an appropriate contextual model for planting and growing a thriving faith community. 1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the overarching culture of the area studied. 2. Identify and analyze the religion of the area of study. 3. Articulate major worldview issues influencing the chosen area of study. 8 P age
ICS 4413 Practicum (3 credits) 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. 1. Demonstrate knowledge of cross-cultural ministry theories and practices in a crosscultural setting. 2. Recognize one s own gifts and talents in a cross-cultural context. 3. Demonstrate one s cross-cultural ministry calling and abilities. 4. Demonstrate a growing understanding of the world, especially with regard to missions, through real-life experiences that direct people to the love of Christ. 5. Demonstrate a maturing Christ-likeness, manifested by the student s interaction with co-workers and those within the context. 9 P age