Asbury Theological Seminary

Academic Catalog

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Oversight/Location of the Program within the Seminary: E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism

Introductory Statement of Program Goal: The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies is a multi-disicplinary program focused on learning about other cultures and developing skills in negotiating across cultural boundaries, both within and outside the United States. Appropriate academic disciplines for this degree include anthropology, sociology, ethics, and theology.

DEGREE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Having successfully completed the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies Degree Program, graduates should be able to:

1. Interpret and analyze various cultural contexts and religious traditions using anthropological, sociological, ethical and theological resources;
2. Articulate an understanding of the forces that contribute to contemporary multicultural complexity, including urbanization, globalization and decolonization;
3. Integrate field experiences and interdisciplinary course materials to engage a multiplicity of cultures, values and worldviews;
4. Articulate a biblical, Wesleyan and ethical perspective on cross-cultural mission and ministry; and,
5. Demonstrate enhanced understanding of and commitment to personal and social holiness through practices of moral, personal and spiritual formation, in a context of accountability to a community of faith, and dependence on the Spirit of Christ.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For admission requirements, see the section on Academic Information.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours, including all required courses;
2. Completion of at least 30 hours on a geophysical campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. At least 6 semester hours of work should be taken within the 24 months preceding the date of graduation;
3. Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00/4.00;
4. Satisfactory completion of all degree requirements in not more than seven academic years from the first term of matriculation.
5. Apply for graduation online.

DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Master of Arts Core (18 units)

• IS501 Christian Formation: Kingdom, Church and World (3)
  
• IS502 Christian Formation: Vocation of Ministry (3)
  
• BS503 Introduction to Inductive Bible Study (2)
  
• BS504 Introduction to Biblical Studies: Old Testament (2)
  
• BS505 Introduction to Biblical Studies: New Testament (2)
  
• CH500 Turning Points in Church History (3)
  
• DO501 Basic Christian Doctrine (3)
• ST501 Method and Praxis in Theology (3)

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies Core (17 units)

• MS671 Anthropology for Christian Mission (3)
  
• CS640 Sociology of Religion (3)
  
• MS674 Introduction to World Religions (3)
  
• MI715 Contextual Theology (3)
  
• CS601 Christian Ethics (2)
  
• MM615 Mentored Ministry in World Mission and Evangelism (2)
  
• MS701 Senior Reflection Seminar (1)
  

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies Electives (15 units)

Students should take courses from at least three of the following areas:

Courses in Cultural Context

• MB610 Learning a Language and Culture (3)
• MB720 Cross-Cultural Communication of Christianity (3)
• CL/MS655 The Change Agent in Mission (3)
• MB765 Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism (3)
• MS675 Christian Mission and Global Culture (3)
• CS610 Women in Church and Society (3)
• CO730 Advanced Issues in Cross-Cultural Counseling (3)

Courses in Area Studies

• MW725 Primal and Folk Religions (3)
• MS660 Appalachian/Rural Ministry (3)
• MS661, 662, 663 Urban Ministry Courses (3)
• MS670 Urban Anthropology (3)
• MS685 The Church Abroad (3)
• MW730-768 The Church in Africa, etc.... (3 or more)

Courses in Leadership and Mission

• MB754 Leading Development Programs in Christian Mission
  
• MB755 Holistic Mission & the Use of Business in Global Outreach (3)
  
• MB780 Cross-Cultural Discipling (3)
  
• ME630 Planting New Churches (3)
  
• MS615 Foundations of Church Growth (3)
  
• MS610 The Ministry of Evangelism (3)
  
• MS620 Leadership of the Church for the Unchurched (3)
  
• MS640 World (Transcultural) Evangelism (3)
  
• CL/MS651 Women in Ministry (3)
  
• MS652 Christian Ministry in a Multicultural Society (3)
  
• CL615/MS653 Cross-Cultural Leadership (3)
  
• CL620/MS654 Developing Emerging Leaders (3)
  

Courses in History and Ethics

• MB750 Values and Ethics in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
  
• MS635 Renewing the Church for Mission (3)
  
• ME735 Theology of Evangelism (3)
  
• MI600 History of the Christian Movement (3)
  
• MI640 Biblical Theology of Mission (3)
  
• MI735 Wesleyan Theology of Mission (3)
  
• MI728 Mission and Gender (3)
  
• MI780 Postmodern Mission (3)
  
• CS620 Hispanic Theology and Social Ethics (3)
  
• CS621 Hispanic History, Theology and Ministry (3)
  
• CS625 Black History, Theology, and Ministry (3)
  
• CS637 Rural Community and Moral Concerns (3)
  
• CS652 Ethics of Hospitality (3)

General Electives (10 units)

Electives are to be chosen by the student in conversation with his or her advisor in light of the student's vocational objectives. These may be chosen from the above courses, or any appropriate courses at the seminary.

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