If you would like to see the description of any course, just click on the course name below and it will link you to the proper description in reference to the term when it will be taught.
Also, if you would like to know more about Term 4, which is between year one and the Global Internship, click here.
• Galatians (1 credit)
• Ephesians (1 credit)
• Philippians (1 credit)
• Colossians (1 credit)
Total Bible Credits - 4
• Cultural Anthropology I – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (1 credit)
• Cultural Anthropology II – Religion, Philosophy and Phenomenology (2 credits)
• Cultural Anthropology III – Sociological Analysis (2 credits)
• Cultural Anthropology IV – Kinship Systems, Leadership Structures and the Arts (2 credits)
• Ethnographic Research I – Material Culture and Language (3 credits)
• Ethnographic Research II – Religion, Worldview and Beliefs (3 credits)
• Ethnographic Research III – Sociological Structures and Control (3 credits)
• Ethnographic Research IV – Value Systems and Contextualization (3 credits)
• Church Planting (2 credits)
• Church Development (2 credits)
• Elenctics, Evangelism and Discipleship (2 credits)
• Missions Strategy (2 credits)
• Cultural Innovation and Change (2 credits)
• Ministry Practicum I (2 credits)
• Ministry Practicum II (2 credits)
• Strategic Storytelling (2 credits)
Total Missions Credits - 35
• Missionary Spiritual Development (2 credits)
• Missionary Relational Development (2 credits)
• Missionary Ministry Development (2 credits)
Total Spiritual Development Credits - 6
• Principles of Language Acquisition (1 credit)
• Language Learning I (6 credits)
• Language Learning II (1 credit)
• Language Learning III (1 credit)
• Cross-Cultural Communications (2 credits)
• Messenger, Message and Community (3 credits)
• Local Religions and Cults (3 credits)
• Local Area Christianity (2 credits)
Total Social Studies Credits - 19
Total Academic Credits for the Internship Program - 64
ICS 311 Cultural Anthropology I (Introduction to Cultural Anthropology)
Arrival in a new country is an important learning time. New sights, sounds and surroundings allow for ample time to observe and reflect on the new culture and community. This course will guide the learner through the first week in their new home by giving a strong foundation of cultural anthropology in order to provide a framework for understanding.
1 credit
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ICS 321 Ethnographic Research I (Material Culture and Language)
Learning to learn from the context is considered a key adaptation skill for cross-cultural missionaries. The ethnographic research that students do on a daily basis forms a foundation for understanding the culture they are living in and for their future role in understanding whatever culture they find themselves in. This course is built on daily observations recorded in a field journal and discussed in a biweekly collaborative meeting to share and understand those observations. The observations and discussions for this term will focus on material culture and language practices.
3 credits
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LNG 311 Principles of Language Acquisition
Engaging the culture through its language begins with a basic understanding of how languages are learned. This course will provide an overview of language acquisition principles while focusing on the student’s personal learning style, his/her strengths and weaknesses, and on strategies for learning a language which can be adapted to one’s style.
1 credit
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LNG 321 Language Learning I
A significant part of living and learning overseas is a commitment to learn the local language. During the first term of studies, all students will engage in a formal concentrated 12-week study of the language, devoting significant time to study and practice.
6 credits
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ICS 312 Cross-Cultural Communications
In every encounter between persons of different cultures, verbal and nonverbal factors facilitate or impede effective communication. This course focuses on observing, describing, and interpreting these factors.
2 credits
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BTH 321 Galatians
Through personal study, exegesis and a weekly collaborative study, the students will engage this important New Testament epistle of Paul to the church at Galatia.
1 credit
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SPD 311 Messenger, Message and Community
Students study the three most critical factors affecting competent ministry:
the capacity of the messenger to become an insider so that his message will be heard
the message itself and contextually relevant styles of communication
how the emerging church can function viably and dynamically within its cultural and religious context. Roland Muller’s book The Messenger, The Message, and The Community is used as the text for this course.
2 credits
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ICS 313 Cultural Anthropology II (Religion, Philosophy and Phenomenology)
Students learn how to ask questions that begin to give them an insiders understanding of cultural worldviews, religious beliefs, and phenomenology including those areas of greatest anomie and fear to which the Gospel can speak. Lectures give students a framework for researching and understanding the phenomenology of a culture and religious system. This course is essential for the skills that will be learned in this terms ethnographic research.
2 credits
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ICS 322 Ethnographic Research II (Religion, Worldview and Beliefs)
Learning to learn from the context is considered a key adaptation skill for cross-cultural missionaries. The ethnographic research that students do on a daily basis forms a foundation for understanding the culture they are living in and for their future role in understanding whatever culture they find themselves in. This course is built on daily observations recorded in a field journal and discussed in a biweekly collaborative meeting to share and understand those observations. The observations and discussions in this term will focus on religions and beliefs of the culture.
3 credits
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LNG 322 Language Learning II
As a response to the ongoing need to use the local language for relationships, ministry and daily living, students will continue to pursue language study throughout the term by regular meetings with a language tutor or informant and accountability to their team for progress.
1 credit
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ICS 314 Local Religions and Cults
This course varies according to the region of the world in which it is offered. It will however, provide a focused study on the major belief systems and historical development of the predominant local religion, and the implications to ministry within the region. The course will also explore the secondary religions and cults within the region.
3 credits
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MIS 311 Local Area Christianity
Missionary learners must not only be familiar with local religious and cultural practices, but they must also understand the existing church within the country and region where they serve. This course will explore the emergence of the Church within the region from a historical viewpoint, examining also the implications for ministry. It will also explore the theological concepts and the key theological issues which the church (as expressed within the region) grapples with the most. Attention will be given to both healthy expressions and any prominent theological concerns.
2 credits
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BTH 322 Ephesians
Through personal study, exegesis and a weekly collaborative study, the students will engage this important New Testament epistle of Paul to the church at Ephesus
1 credit
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SPD 312 Missionary Relational Development
One of the greatest stress points and causes of missionary attrition is interpersonal conflict. This course will focus on building a sense of community, learning how to handle conflict, interpersonal communication, interpersonal relationship skills, team building, and learning how to use the gift mix, personality styles, and individual orientations inherent in teams.
3 credits
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CHM 321 Ministry Practicum I
The student will participate regularly in assigned local ministry opportunities designed to give them a broad view of ministry in context as well as specific opportunities available for future consideration.
2 credits
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ICS 411 Cultural Anthropology III (Sociological Analysis)
Passing the halfway point of the Global Internship experience, many of the cultural differences, patterns and issues which the student has encountered are beginning to make more sense. This course will build from the lessons students have already learned and explore societal systems and structures which can be used to further explain and understand the culture and context around them.
2 credits
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ICS 421 Ethnographic Research III (Sociological Structures and Control)
Learning to learn from the context is considered a key adaptation skill for cross-cultural missionaries. The ethnographic research that students do on a daily basis forms a foundation for understanding the culture they are living in and for their future role in understanding whatever culture they find themselves in. This course is built on daily observations recorded in a field journal and discussed in a biweekly collaborative meeting to share and understand those observations. The observations and discussions for this term will focus on social structures and social control
3 credits
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LNG 421 Language Learning III
As a response to the ongoing need to use the local language for relationships, ministry and daily living, students will continue to pursue language study throughout the term by regular meetings with a language tutor or informant and accountability to their team for progress.
1 credit
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MIS 411 Elenctics, Evangelism and Discipleship
Elenctics is the theological concern with presenting the Gospel in a way that is persuasive and convincing. This includes a knowledge of the issues and concerns present in the context which may enhance or inhibit such a presentation. This course will specifically look at the presentation of the Gospel within the local context, examining the issues and looking at historical and contemporary responses to them used by effective ministers. The course also gives a survey of prevalent models contrasted with innovative models of evangelism and discipleship used by local ministries within the region.
2 credits
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MIS 412 Church Planting
This course is designed to examine creative and relevant approaches to ministry within the local context. It focuses on the long-term goal of seeing how ministry adapts to contextual needs with a particular focus on local approaches to church planting.
2 credits
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BTH 421 Philippians
Through personal study, exegesis and a weekly collaborative study, the students will engage this important New Testament epistle of Paul to the church at Philippi.
1 credit
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SPD 411 Missionary Spiritual Development
Maintaining a dynamic spiritual life is essential to ministry but it is also one of the greatest stressors in missionary work. This course looks at disciplines and methods for maintaining a spiritual life, setting goals and developing a heart of passion for God, all while balancing one’s life. Special study and reflection on Developing and Maintaining Spiritual Purity will be included.
2 credits
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CHM 421 Ministry Practicum II
The student will participate regularly in assigned local ministry opportunities designed to give them a broad view of ministry in context as well as specific opportunities available for future consideration.
2 credits
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ICS 412 Cultural Anthropology IV (Kinship Systems, Leadership Structures and the Arts)
In most cultures church growth takes place most effectively along kingship lines. Decisions are often made by leadership (family, clan, tribe, etc) rather than by individuals. The implications of these realities are studied as well as how to discover their presence in a culture. Students will also learn how the arts affect communicating the Gospel.
2 credits
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ICS 422 Ethnographic Research IV (Value Systems and Contextualization)
Learning to learn from the context is considered a key adaptation skill for cross-cultural missionaries. The ethnographic research that students do on a daily basis forms a foundation for understanding the culture they are living in and for their future role in understanding whatever culture they find themselves in. This course is built on daily observations recorded in a field journal and discussed in a biweekly collaborative meeting to share and understand those observations. The observations and discussions for this term will focus on value systems and practices of contextualization.
3 credits
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MIS 413 Missions Strategy
This course helps students think beyond the immediate community to thinking strategically on how to take an entire city for God. Contemporary thinking, research, and models are presented. Students work through a strategy for their specific city; based on the research they do.
2 credits
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MIS 414 Church Development
Following on the previous term’s course on church planting, this course examines the contextually appropriate structures and organization of the church, church leadership, governance and principles of church growth.
2 credits
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MIS 415 Cultural Innovation and Change
Cultures throughout the world are changing, adapting to internal needs and external circumstances. This course will look at change, how it is impacting local culture and how that change impacts ministry within the culture. The course will also look at the bigger picture of globalization and the placement of local cultures and worldviews within emerging predominant worldviews.
2 credits
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BTH 422 Colossians
Through personal study, exegesis and a weekly collaborative study, the students will engage this important New Testament epistle of Paul to the church at Colosse
1 credit
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SPD 412 Missionary Ministry Development
Students learn how to develop plans for life-long growth in personal life (intellectual growth, physical and emotional maintenance), marriage, friendships, and ministry (developing plans, pursuing excellence), etc.
2 credits
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CHM 431 Strategic Storytelling
Many of the world's unreached people groups have a low rate of literacy or even prefer oral learning over written. Among such people storytelling remains a primary means of communication. Even among literate people, storytelling is a powerful communicative tool. This course will explore and practice various approaches to storytelling with regard to communicating God’s Story that have been shown effective in evangelism and church planting, especially within the local context.
2 credits
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The curriculum and course descriptions are subject to change at any time, as determined by the curriculum review committee of Bethany College of Missions.
For more information on Global Internship, check out these links:
