Course Descriptions

Intercultural Studies

Please find below a selection of the courses associated with the Intercultural Studies program. For a complete list of courses, please consult the Academic Calendar. 

Theoretical Foundations

421.11 – INST: International Development and Missions
This course will give a basic introduction to Christian missions and International Development. The history and presuppositions of both will be discussed prior to an examination of present practice. The course will compare and contrast the two movements in order to better understand their mutual connections, their weaknesses and strengths, and their contributions, actual and potential, to the modern world.

421.22 – INST: Mission History
This course provides students with foundational knowledge of how the Christian movement has moved from one culture to another over the last 2000 years. The great epochs of mission history are surveyed, as are significant biographies and events in that global history. The course analyzes the historical and cultural roots of the so-called “modern missionary movement” during the last 200 years. From this, a multi-cultural perspective of Christian mission develops which will assist further study of mission theology and strategy. (Prerequisite: 421.11 – INST: International Development and Missions)

421.31 – INST: Independent Research
Students may undertake independent research in a wide range of mission-related subjects, including religions, cultures, communications, strategy, and theology. Tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of the individual student, this option is open to furloughing missionaries and to students who have completed at least two years of academic study, by arrangement with the Program Coordinator. Among the topics frequently investigated are Missions in the Local Church, Christianity and Socialism in Various Cultural Contexts, Introduction to Linguistics, Missionary Identification, The Church and the Canadian Native, Non-Western Christian Theologies, Church Planting, Principles of Church Growth, Theological Education by Extension, and Urban Evangelism and Church Planting. (1–3 credit hours)

421.33 – INST: Mission Strategy
This course investigates why mission enterprises have developed particular approaches and emphases. It is an introduction to the changes that have occurred as mission agencies and churches have tried to become more effective during the last half of the 20th century. The focus is on evaluating strategies and understanding essential forms of fruitful, Biblically-based, Christ-centered mission. (Prerequisite:421.11 – INST: International Development and Missions)

422.21 – INST: Mission Theology
An introduction to the essentials of mission faithfulness and integrity. Based on understanding of the world Christian movement over the last 2000 years, it analyzes the theological roots of the so-called “modern missionary movement” during the last 200 years. It surveys key theological developments which have been basic to effective cross-cultural witness and partnership in recent times. This shows how mission theology has become a rich, challenging, multi-cultural blend of insight and initiative from the church in every continent. (Cross-credited with Biblical and Theological Studies, Theology for Intercultural Studies Majors) (Prerequisite: 421.11 – INST: International Development and Missions)