ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Southeastern College Branch Campus 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33801 January 8 – April 22, 2004 MCSB/PTHB 529 FOUNDATIONS FOR CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY (3 Credits) Rodney White, D. Min. Spring 2004 COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE DESCRIPTION This interdisciplinary course is designed to prepare the student for effective ministry in the complexities of cross-cultural and sub-cultural settings. Foundational issues related to applied missions anthropology, inter-cultural communication, and contextualization will be addressed. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of communication theory and its application to cross-cultural situations. 2. Recognize the various ways in which one communicates, both verbally and non-verbally. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic terminology of applied missions anthropology and its application to cross-cultural contexts. 4. Recognize one’s own cultural presuppositions and values and the effect they have on successful cross-cultural communication of the Gospel. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of contextualization with particular emphasis on both Scriptural and theoretical models. 6. Recognize and identify practical applications of contextualization in a variety of methodological areas including worship and leadership. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS Adeney, Bernard T. Strange Virtues: Ethics in a Multicultural World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995.Hiebert, Paul G. Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1985. Kraft, Charles H. Communication Theory for Christian Witness. Rev. ed. Nashville, TN: Abington Press, 1994. Van Rheenen, Gailyn. Missions: Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Strategies. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996. COURSE OUTLINE I. Introduction to the Disciplines of Inter-cultural Communication and Anthropology II. Perceiving Cultural and Social Diversity A. Cultural Systems and Micro-cultures B. Social Identification and Group Relations III. Understanding Inter-cultural Information A. Linguistic Diversity B. Inter-cultural Communication and Nonverbal Messages C. Networking and Information Flow IV. Cultural Adaptation and Communication Accommodation A. Adapting to Culture B. Inter-cultural Competencies: Effectiveness and Conflict C. Inter-cultural Communication, Innovation, and Change V. Contextualization: Meaning, Methods, and Models METHODOLOGY 1. Lectures 2. Class Discussion and Interaction 3. Case Studies 4. Student Presentations 5. Written Reaction Papers 6. Multimedia Presentations COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Reading of the Adeney, Kraft, and Van Rheenen texts and submit a two-page “Reaction Paper” on each of the three texts mentioned above. Due Dates - Adeney - January 22 Kraft - February 26 Van Rheenen - March 25 22. A 12-15 page “Research Paper” on an approved people group. This paper will be orally presented in class. The paper is due February 12, 2004. 3. A fifteen-twenty minute oral presentation about the specific people group, dealing with the following topics: A. An introduction and historical presentation of the people group. B. A brief survey of their cultural perspectives. C. A reflection on the necessary bridge-building methods to communicate cross culturally with this people group. D. Ways and means of sharing Christ with them. E. A comparison of this culture with the North American culture. F. An evaluation of the culture and worldviews of this people group. 4. 400 pages of outside reading in conjunction with the research paper. Report on the reading using the following format: A. The Student’s Name B. The Bibliographic Information C. The Affirmation: “I have spent “x” minutes reading “x” number of pages from this source. D. A two-three paragraph observation, reaction, or evaluation of each source utilized. 5. Comprehensive Final Exam - Last Day of Class – April 22, 2004 COURSE EVALUATION 1. Reading of the three texts and two-page critiques - 30% 2. 12-15 page research paper - 30% 3. Oral Presentation - 10% 4. 400 pages outside reading - 10% 5. Final Exam - 20% All course work must be submitted by Friday, April 23. NOTE: Work received after the semester due date specified in the syllabus will result in a change of grade fee ($15.00) being charged, even when an extension has been granted by the instructor. SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 3Adeney, Benard T. Strange Virtues: Ethics in a Multicultural World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995. Austin, Clyde N., ed. Cross-Cultural Re-entry: A Book of Readings. Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University, 1986. Bauml, Betty J. A Dictionary of Gestures. Metuchen, NY: Scarecrow Press, 1975. Benthall, Jonathan, and Ted Polhemus. The Body as a Medium of Expression. New York: Dutton, 1975. Berlo, David K. The Process of Communication. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1960. Blubaugh, Jon, and D. Pennington. Crossing Differences . . . Interracial Communication. Columbus, OH: Merrill, 1976. Brislin, Richard, W. Cross-Cultural Encounters: Face-to-Face Interaction. Boston, Allyn and Bacon, 1981. Casse, Pierre. Training the Cross-Cultural Mind. 2nd. ed. SIETAR, 1981 Dodd, Carley H. Dynamics of Intercultural Communication. 4th ed. Madison, WI: Brown and Benchmark Publishers, 1995. Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993. Feldman, Sandor S. Mannerisms of Speech and Gestures in Everyday Life. New York: International Universities Press, 1960. Fischer, Heinz-Dietrich, and John C. Merrill. International and Intercultural Communication. New York: Hastings House, 1978. Foster, Robert J. Examples of Cross-Cultural Problems Encountered by Americans Working Overseas. Washington, D.C.: The George Washington University Human Resources Research Office, 1965. Freedman, Jonathan L. Crowding and Behavior. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman, 1975. Furnham, Adrian, and Stephen Bochner. Culture Shock: Psychological Reactions to Unfamiliar Environments. London: Methuen and Company, 1986. Goffman, Erving. Behavior in Public Places. New