MB501  INSIGHTS FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Judith Lingenfelter  Fall 2010, Houston

Professor Emerita, Biola University

Adjunct Professor, SIS Fuller Theological Seminary

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DESCRIPTION:

This course addresses cultural self-awareness and cross-cultural competence for building healthy relationships within diverse communities. Drawing upon anthropological, sociological, biblical, and theological perspectives, students gain basic principles and skills for researching and interacting among diverse cultural and social groups.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.     Explain key anthropological, sociological, biblical, and theological perspectives for understanding cultures, social systems, and intercultural relationships

2.     Demonstrate cultural self awareness and an understanding of personal and cultural biases

3.     Analyze personal capacity for cross-cultural competence in individual and communal relationships, designing a plan for increasing that capacity where necessary

4.     Exegete a cultural or social context using basic ethnographic research tools

 

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will meet four weekends throughout the quarter: 6:00—9:30 PM on Fridays; 8:30-12:30 Saturday mornings. Dates are as follows: October 8-9, 22-23, 29-30, and November 12-13.   Students will learn via lectures/presentations, case studies, media clips, class discussions, student presentations, and small group exercises.

 

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

Our multicultural society is a given these days, and understanding its diversity takes a lifetime.  This course builds on life experience and uses scholarship to advance intercultural understanding.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Gannon, Martin J.  Paradoxes of Culture and Globalization. Los Angeles:  SAGE, 2008.  ISBN: 978-1412940443; $44.51.

Spradley, James P. and David McCurdy.  Conformity and Conflict:  Readings in Cultural Anthropology.  13th ed. Boston, MA:  Allyn & Bacon, 2008.  ISBN: 978-0205645855; $57.56.

Lingenfelter, Sherwood & Marvin K. Mayers.  Ministering Cross Culturally.  Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker, 2003.  ISBN: 978-0801026478; $10.19.

Livermore, David A.  Culture Intelligence:  Improving your CQ to Engage our Multicultural World.  Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker, 2008.  ISBN: 978-0801035890; $13.59.

 

ASSIGNMENTS: *(subject to change in details)

  1. Self assessment paper (4-5 pages)  analyzing personal capacity for cross cultural competence in individual and communal relationships, and outlining a plan for increasing that capacity where necessary. (20 pts.)
  2. Completion of Basic Values profile from Lingenfelter and Cultural Intelligence Profile from Livermore. (20 pts.)
  3. Personal reflections to be posted on-line at the conclusion of each weekÕs classes (approx. 500-700 words). (10 pts.)
  4. One reading interaction paper on the Gannon/Spradley books to be posted on line for group discussion and interaction (Approximately 3-4 pages).  (20 pts)
  5. One major paper (10-15 pages) which uses ethnographic methods to research a cultural or social group different from the studentÕs own.  This may be done alone or with a partner.  The object of this paper will be to present cultural or social challenges inherent in ministry work with this group, and suggest some resolutions to these challenges.  Details of this assignment will be found in the syllabus. (80 pts.)
  6.  

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MAT and MATM core requirement. M.Div elective.

 

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.