Elective Courses in Intercultural Studies
(links provided to Adobe Acrobat version of the syllabus for the course when available)

Elective course work is typically taken in one or in a combination of various areas of emphasis. These specializations can be taken from courses within the Intercultural Studies area or in combination with other departments.  

For more information on emphases offered within the Missions degree program, go to the Emphasis Options page. 

Below is a listing of the Intercultural Studies electives currently cataloged.  In addition to these, many other courses are offered on an experimental basis.

INTR 512x. Theories and Principles of Counseling. Designed for non-Psychology graduate students, this course provides and examination of several of the major theories of counseling with and emphasis on techniques and principles common to each theory. The course also examines the fundamentals of abnormal psychology with particular focus on knowing one’s limits of competence and knowledge of when and to whom one should refer.

INTR 516: Issues and Trends in Missions Current missiological issues and trends, including church-mission relationships, the ecumenical movement, nationalism, and their significance to the worldwide mission of the church. Opportunity for individual student research in a particular area of interest is provided.

INTR 522: Contemporary Mission History Explores key persons and movements in the expansion of the Protestant church from William Carey to Amy Carmichael, to the Student Volunteer Movement and Pentecostalism. The missiological reinterpretation of church history focuses on the dynamics of the expansion and implications for contemporary strategies of mission. Attention is given to the use of primary source materials for historical research.

INTR 525: Urban Theory and Experience: Perspectives on the City Urban theory draws upon the social sciences and selected other fields to examine causes and consequences of the urban condition. Engaging major themes in urban theory, this course explores the origins and implications of urban issues, such as gentrification, brownfields, segregation, and social movements, as well as the presence
and influence of the city in the world. Wheaton-in-Chicago. (Also cross-listed as URBN 451 and CFM 544).

INTR 533 Great Thinkers in Mission The most influential mission theologians in the last sixty years are discussed in a seminar format. The course uses the theological biographies of a selection of these pioneers who played such creative roles in shaping global vision. Students of mission will gain insight into the spiritual and human dynamics that produced the modern Christian missionary movement.

INTR 534 Mission in Acts The course models a historicocritical exegesis of Acts. Through an analysis of the discourse structure of Luke/Acts, the course seeks to deepen an understanding of the person and work of the Spirit of Jesus who empowers God's mission as it takes place through the apostles and the early church.

INTR 535 Holy Spirit and Mission The course explores the dynamics of the work of the Holy Spirit and mission in relation to the following dimensions: personal, biblical, historical, cultural, contextual, and functional. Students are encouraged to explore their mission philosophy regarding the role of the Spirit of God for their mission context.

INTR 536: Theology of Development in World Perspective. The biblical basis for community development and the Christian's involvement in Third World development on the personal and systemic levels.

INTR 545: Dynamics of Church Growth. A survey of the crucial factors in church growth, including an analysis of the theological, sociological, and psychological elements; case studies illustrating the dynamics of expansion as well as causes for stagnation; a working methodology for involvement by the student.

INTR 546: Evangelism and Church Planting. Strategies for evangelism and church development are examined and applied through case studies, field trips, contacts with resource persons, and student-led projects.

INTR 548x: Discipleship & Small Groups. Studies the biblical principles of disciple-making. Special attention is given to analyzing and evaluating existing programs of discipleship and follow-up.

INTR 551x. Counseling Challenges in Ministry. A psycho-educative approach is used to enable Christian leaders to help individuals and families understand and deal with contemporary issues—e.g. step families, single parenting, divorce, abortion. Other topics covered include: coping with depression, strong emotions, and conflict.

INTR 552. Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender and Leadership  An exploration of the role of women in missions, including their impact on mission strategies, their unique contributions, and a discussion of critical issues they have faced since the time of the modern missionary movement.

INTR 556: Foundations of Leadership Development. The biblical, historical, theoretical, and missiological foundations for leadership development. Special focus is given to an introduction to leadership theory and its significance for cross-cultural contexts. Participants will explore their own development and the implications which emerge from the study.

INTR 563: Cross-Cultural Teaching and Learning . Contributions of non-formal educators, cognitive psychologists, and educational anthropologists to cross-cultural teaching and learning; attuning instruction to thinking styles, pedagogical expectations and cultural values.(2 credit hours)

INTR 565: Folk Religions. Strategies for understanding folk religions and relating to folk religious adherents are examined and applied through discussion, case studies, videos, and student-led projects.

INTR 567: Spiritual Conflict. An examination of the principles and dynamics of spiritual conflict. Issues include theoretical considerations in the areas of theological reflection and cultural analysis, pragmatic considerations such as spiritual discipline and counseling approaches, and the missiological implications for missionary strategies.

INTR 571. Film and Mission. Uses the medium of film to reflect on the relationship between mission and culture. Considers a broad cross-section of film genres to open new and creative windows for understanding and communicating the Christian faith in a pluralistic, post-Christian culture. Assists the student in thinking critically about film from a cross-cultural perspective.

INTR 581x. Spanish America Culture and Civilization. Readings and discussion on history, geography, political and social structures, and various forms of artistic expression, particularly Spanish America. (Course in Spanish)

INTR 585x. History of the Soviet Union and Russia. This history class explores the origins, development, and aftermath of the Soviet Union. It is offered alternate years.

INTR 587x. Asian History. Explores the cultural development of China, Korea, and Japan, from their traditional roots, through their classical periods, to the modern period. Contemporary East Asian society and affairs are emphasized.

INTR 591x. Public Health and Nutrition. An interdisciplinary approach to the problems of health and nutrition, with emphasis on Third World countries.

INTR 608: Second Language Acquisition. Principles and skills for the successful learning of foreign languages, including practical instruction in phonetics and language-learning strategies.

INTR 609. Linguistic Science. Introductory study of the concepts and methodology of modern linguistics. Survey of the various branches of linguistic science and of their relationship to other disciplines.

INTR 667: Leadership in Cultural Context. An integration of the principles and practice of Christian leadership for cross-cultural ministry. Major issues in leadership will be examined to determine appropriate types of action for Christian leaders. Students will be given opportunity to develop skills and methods for leadership.

INTR 695: Independent Study.

INTR 696: Internship.