Fuller Online
MD544: Winter 2013
Crawford
MD544: Ministry to Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Children (4 units)
Christa Foster Crawford, J.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor of Children at Risk
DESCRIPTION:
The problems of human trafficking and sexual exploitation have gained increasing international attention in recent years. This heightened awareness has lead to an outpouring of responses, especially among Christians. The need is compelling, and the desire to respond is commendable, but good intentions are not good enough. Our responses will fall short if we fail to examine the complex causes and holistic effects of the problem, and neglect to evaluate our responses in light of best practices.
This course seeks to help students understand and analyze the complexities of sexual exploitation and trafficking and to equip them with the knowledge they need to formulate and implement successful, holistic Christian responses. The course will be an interactive, informative, challenging, and hopefully transformational experience for those wanting to deepen and expand their knowledge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The course connects participants to resources and advice from a variety of experts and leading practitioners while encouraging active reflection and analysis for improving strategic impact.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will
understand the problem of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, including the types, nature and causes;
recognize the multiple effects of sexual exploitation and trafficking and the various aspects of recovery to be addressed in a holistic Christian response;
become familiar with principles and best practices for responding; and
formulate the beginnings of an effective holistic Christian response in the student’s own ministry context that addresses self-care, cross-cultural, child-rights and other considerations.
COURSE FORMAT:
This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING: (1500 pages)
Crawford, Christa Foster. So You Want to Rescue Child Sex Slaves? What You Need to Know Before You Begin. Smashwords, 2012. ISBN: 9781476213712. eBook: $5.99. Available at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/170290.
Crawford, Christa Foster. Ministry to Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Children: Principles and Practice. eBook, 2012. (Available end of 2012)
Belles, Nita. In Our Backyard: A Christian Perspective on Human Trafficking in the United States. Free River, 2011. ISBN: 9781612157979. Retail: $14.99.
Grant, Beth and Cindy Lopez Hudlin, eds. Hands that Heal: International Curriculum to Train Caregivers of Trafficking Survivors (Academic Edition). Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking, 2007. Available at http://www.faastinternational.org/#/hands-that-heal. Print version: $50; DVD version (specify English [or preferred language]): $10.
Jewell, Dawn Herzog. Escaping the Devil’s Bedroom: Sex Trafficking, Global Prostitution, and the Gospel’s Transforming Power. UK: Monarch Books, 2008. ISBN: 9780825461651. Retail: $13.99.
McCormick, Patricia. Sold. New York: Hyperion, 2006. ISBN: 0786851724. Retail: $9.00.
Course Reader, which includes information and articles about sexual exploitation and human trafficking written by governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, academics and local practitioners from around the world (found in Moodle eReserves).
ASSIGNMENTS:
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Part of Children at Risk Emphasis.