Doctoral Level Intercultural Course Descriptions

DIS 711 – Foundations/History of Mission. This is an introductory course for the D.Miss. program. Basic understanding of the field of missiology and historical review of Christian missions are essential elements for this course.

DIS 712 – Proposal and Research Design. This course by design is an orientation to D.Miss. students to the discipline of missiology. Students are provided the rudimentary of proposal drafting and research planning in anticipation of conducting research and writing dissertation.

DIS 715 - Theology of Christian Mission. Themes and issues of both biblical and contemporary theology of mission are surveyed and reviewed, leading to the formulation of theological foundation for missionary effort, mission practice and mobilization.

DIS 721 - Principles of Intercultural Communication. Students are given a foundation for relating insights from several disciplines to the essential task of Christian ministry—communication of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A basic understanding of intercultural communication is developed in class lectures, readings in both scholarly and popular literature, and thorough examination of case studies. This course provides a framework for further study in areas of major importance to the intercultural Christian worker, areas such as education, management and administration, and contextualization. Application may include original field research in communication situations of the student’s ministry.

DIS 725 – Integrated Research Methodologies. Students in the course are exposed to variety of theological orientations, expected to learn of different research traditions and acquire skills in multiple approaches in missiological research.

DIS 741 – Cultural Anthropology. Anthropological theories, methodologies and techniques are surveyed to develop an appreciation and understanding of the cultural commonalities, complexities and diversities of various people-groups. A holistic understanding of man is presented in preparation for a holistic gospel ministry of contemporary cross-cultural workers.

DIS 742 - Contextualization. Three primary areas where contextualization is involved are explored—theological, methodological and structural. Problems and opportunities in each of these areas will be identified, developing guidelines to contextualization for personnel working in a specific culture. A thorough acquaintance with the debate and literature concerning contextualization is expected.

DIS 744 - Evangelism and Church Planting Movements. The broad areas of pioneer evangelism, planting and developing churches, and bringing those churches to maturity are discussed in the intensive sessions. Church growth theories are presented. Knowledge of those theories is expected, as well as the ability to relate critical areas of communication, anthropology and the other disciplines of missiology to the central challenge facing the Church--giving every person the opportunity to acknowledge Christ as Savior and Lord.

DIS 747 – Intercultural Education. Basic educational principles to help understand how those principles will be worked out differently in differing cultural contexts. Cultural differences in learning and reasoning styles are considered with their implications for mission. Education methods such as theological education by extension, correspondence courses, use of video, Bible institutes, and lay training programs used by intercultural ministries are to be examined and evaluated. Programs tried or proposed within the student’s area of ministry are to be carefully considered for their appropriateness, theologically and culturally, as well as for their socio-economic suitability and probable long-term effects. Fieldwork will demonstrate the student’s ability to develop and manage an effective educational effort.

DIS 751 – D. Miss Seminars. Specific courses in selected areas of missiological studies will be offered each academic year. Professors with expertise in a specific area of interest will bring an enriching learning experience to D. Miss. students.

DIS 790 - D. Miss. Dissertation—Field Research Integration. (1-3 hours per semester) Field research may be one of or a combination of the following: archival, educational and experiential. Field research is based on the approved program focus proposal and research design. The research must include data collection based on original research design which demonstrates integrative learning.

DIS 791 - D. Miss. Dissertation—Research Report. (1-3 hours per semester) The dissertation is a comprehensive and scholarly work based on your program focus, module work and original field and library research. It must include an interpretation of research findings.