Courses | M.A. in Intercultural Studies

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For more program details, including graduation requirements and learning outcomes, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Core Curriculum (12 Credits)

Note: Students with a B.A. in Intercultural Studies from Cook may reduce the program from 39 to 30 credits.

ISAN 523	Ethnographic Research Methods
Techniques of field methods including genealogies, participant observation, life history, mapping, and structured interviews. Includes strategies for collecting and organizing data for later analysis. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 561	Economic Anthropology
The study of economic and social relations as they impact human values, with emphasis on analytic tools for comparative research and cross-cultural comparisons. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 751	Social Anthropology
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 560	Urban Research and Study
The use of social science techniques to learn about the people, needs and opportunities for evangelism in the city. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 711	Dynamics of the Religious Experience
A treatment of conceptions of the supernatural, the function of religion in society, religion and social control, the nature of religious ritual and paraphernalia, sacred places and religious practitioners. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 751	Theology of Mission
An examination of the theological foundations of mission derived from a study of the history of salvation. This will encompass a study of the mission given to Israel and to the Church including some interaction with contemporary theologies of mission. Grade Mode: A.

Electives (18 Credits)

18 credits of advisor-approved electives. Students who do not have to take required electives are encouraged to choose a combination of electives most suitable for their career goals. Students may also choose to focus electives in areas of specialization such as anthropology, missiology, crosscultural education, Bible & theology, Bible translation, linguistics, TESOL, church planting, crosscultural health care, urban ministries, etc. Students desiring a graduate certificate in TESOL in conjunction with their intercultural studies degree must also apply to the Department of ALT.

Note: Students who are not proficient in a second language will also be required to take one of the courses listed below as a required elective. (Proficiency standards for a second language will be determined by the M.A. advisor in consultation with intercultural studies faculty. See student handbook for standards.)

ISAL 520	Introduction to Language and Linguistics
Introduction to basic concepts in the scientific study of language, major areas of linguistic analysis, and several subareas of the field, including language in society. Material from English and a variety of other languages is used to provide a broad perspective. Notes: Prerequisite for graduate courses in Applied Linguistics for program majors. May be taken concurrently with other ISAL courses. Grade Mode: A.
ISAL 613	Practicum in Language and Culture Learning
Techniques and activities to help a person be a more successful learner of a new language and gain insights into the host culture. Practical experience in language and culture learning in a non-English-speaking community.
ISAN 507	Cultural Anthropology
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.

Bible/Theology (6 Credits)

Concentrations

Community Development

ISAL 613	Practicum in Language and Culture Learning
Techniques and activities to help a person be a more successful learner of a new language and gain insights into the host culture. Practical experience in language and culture learning in a non-English-speaking community.
ISAN 507	Cultural Anthropology
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 751	Social Anthropology
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 602	Introduction to International Development
Key theories, models and macro concerns in development, and historic overview of the practice of relief and development. Exploration of topics such as poverty, gender, human rights, debt, nationalism and economic development, globalization, and transformational/holistic development. Provides a broad survey of development concepts, trends, and challenges. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 603	Micro Issues in Relief and Development
Micro issues in relief and development such as sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, literacy, the environment, food security, micro-enterprise development, gender, migration issues, internally displaced persons (IDP's), refugee response and the role of NGO's and faith-based organizations/agencies in working with complex humanitarian emergencies. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 605	Community Development Models and Strategies
Exposure to various models for engagement in development projects and practice, assessment of participatory learning and action approaches, examination of the role of expatriates in community development, analysis of the complexities of community participation, exploration of the role of transformational development practitioners in sustainable economic development and community organizing. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 659	Project Evaluation and Assessment
Examination of the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation/assessment of a development project. Special emphasis on project funding and support, project supervision, project partnership issues, governmental and non-governmental relationships, and participatory evaluation methods. Students will gain practical/hands-on experience through evaluating a local development project. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 709	Intercultural Communication
This course examines theories and issues related to intercultural communication, including principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another, and it identifies strategies for effective interaction among members of different cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 780	Topics in Biblical Theology from a Missiological Perspective
An examination of the manner in which themes, strategies and topics within Biblical theology might be constructed, impacted, or examined for use in missionary contexts. Grade Mode: A.
TTBE 520	New Testament Survey
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

Intercultural Education

Note: Students must also take any two SEED classes.

ISAL 613	Practicum in Language and Culture Learning
Techniques and activities to help a person be a more successful learner of a new language and gain insights into the host culture. Practical experience in language and culture learning in a non-English-speaking community.
ISAN 507	Cultural Anthropology
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 751	Social Anthropology
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 701	Theology of Culture
An examination of the relationship between God and culture, the manner in which God works through culture, and the cultural implications of the Gospel. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 703	Curriculum Design for Intercultural Contexts
Equips students to design appropriate curricula for any and all educational settings. Students learn in particular to apply principles of instructional design to teaching and learning in intercultural contexts. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 709	Intercultural Communication
This course examines theories and issues related to intercultural communication, including principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another, and it identifies strategies for effective interaction among members of different cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 710	Educational Foundations
Educational Foundations provides an orientation to influential principles underlying teaching and learning. It is designed for doctoral students seeking to improve their basic understanding of contemporary educational practice with application to intercultural contexts. It also serves Ph.D. Intercultural Education students who require a prerequisite course in education. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
TTBE 520	New Testament Survey
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

Missiology

ISAL 613	Practicum in Language and Culture Learning
Techniques and activities to help a person be a more successful learner of a new language and gain insights into the host culture. Practical experience in language and culture learning in a non-English-speaking community.
ISAN 507	Cultural Anthropology
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 701	Theology of Culture
An examination of the relationship between God and culture, the manner in which God works through culture, and the cultural implications of the Gospel. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 702	Social Organization
Cross-cultural study of the basic human groups of family, kin and community, engaging the student in field methodology and research, and application of principles and data of social organization to mission strategy. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 709	Intercultural Communication
This course examines theories and issues related to intercultural communication, including principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another, and it identifies strategies for effective interaction among members of different cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 722	Spiritual Conflicts in Crosscultural Context
Reviews the historical and contemporary worldview beliefs in the existence and activity of spiritual beings or forces often encountered by the cross-cultural worker. A theology of spirits is developed to help establish theoretical and practical guidelines for appropriate understanding of and response to spiritual beliefs and potential conflicts encountered in various cross- cultural setting. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 732	Church Planting Models and Strategies
A survey and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various church planting models and strategies used around the world. Identifies key factors which the church planter can implement in a context specific, phase-out oriented church planting strategy. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 751	Theology of Mission
An examination of the theological foundations of mission derived from a study of the history of salvation. This will encompass a study of the mission given to Israel and to the Church including some interaction with contemporary theologies of mission. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 752	Acts: Biblical and Missiological
This course will focus on the historical, cultural and theological content leading the student toward mastery of the book of Acts. This will be followed by a discussion of cogent missiological themes, such as evangelism, power encounter, contextualization and the supernatural in missions. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 765	Cross-Cultural Leadership
Cross-cultural study of leadership including diverse patterns of authority, legitimacy, public support, leadership recruitment, and training as they affect communication, church growth and development worldwide. Grade Mode: A.

Peace and Conflict Transformation

ISAN 504	Social Justice and Human Rights
An introduction to major themes and issues in the study of social justice and human rights advocacy. Common human rights violations will be considered from an anthropological perspective and in the light of Scripture. Various tools for engaging in social activism and advocacy, rescuing the oppressed and undertaking social justice and human rights interventions will be considered. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 507	Cultural Anthropology
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 529	Human Conflict: Theory and Resolution
This course will explore the roots and results of aggressions, violence and conflict from an anthropological perspective. It will examine biological, ecological and other materialistic explanations of these phenomena, as well as patterns in learning, symbol using and structuring in small-scale societies, ethnic conflict, cross-cultural case studies, and techniques for conflict mediation and intervention. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 751	Social Anthropology
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 522	Conflict Prevention, Intervention, and Management
Conflict Prevention, Intervention, and Management.
ISCL 523	Peace and Conflict Analysis
Peace and Conflict Analysis.
ISCL 701	Theology of Culture
An examination of the relationship between God and culture, the manner in which God works through culture, and the cultural implications of the Gospel. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 709	Intercultural Communication
This course examines theories and issues related to intercultural communication, including principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another, and it identifies strategies for effective interaction among members of different cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 780	Topics in Biblical Theology from a Missiological Perspective
An examination of the manner in which themes, strategies and topics within Biblical theology might be constructed, impacted, or examined for use in missionary contexts. Grade Mode: A.
TTBE 520	New Testament Survey
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

Intercultural Studies

ISAN 523	Ethnographic Research Methods
Techniques of field methods including genealogies, participant observation, life history, mapping, and structured interviews. Includes strategies for collecting and organizing data for later analysis. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 561	Economic Anthropology
The study of economic and social relations as they impact human values, with emphasis on analytic tools for comparative research and cross-cultural comparisons. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 751	Social Anthropology
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
ISAN 761	Culture and Transformation
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 520	Interpersonal and Intercultural Adjustment
Exploration of the cross-cultural transition process, focusing upon healthy adjustment as a sojourner in a new culture. Attention given to understanding and applying grace to oneself and others, discerning cultural values, conflict styles, social stratification and celebration. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 709	Intercultural Communication
This course examines theories and issues related to intercultural communication, including principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another, and it identifies strategies for effective interaction among members of different cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 711	Dynamics of the Religious Experience
A treatment of conceptions of the supernatural, the function of religion in society, religion and social control, the nature of religious ritual and paraphernalia, sacred places and religious practitioners. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 742	History of the World Christian Movement
A review of literature that traces the spread and development of Christianity as a world movement, from Pentecost to the modern era. Special attention is given to the kind(s) of Christianity that spread; the process(es) by which it spread; the effect Christianity had on the socio-cultural/political environment(s); and the effect environment had on Christianity and its subsequent development. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 750	Issues in Contextualization/Crosscultural Theology
The application of crosscultural communication principles to the study of theology, critique and evaluation of such theologies and the design and implementation of culture specific theologies for various cultures. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 751	Theology of Mission
An examination of the theological foundations of mission derived from a study of the history of salvation. This will encompass a study of the mission given to Israel and to the Church including some interaction with contemporary theologies of mission. Grade Mode: A.
ISCL 779	Graduate Research in Intercultural Studies
This course exposes students to the principles and practices of qualitative research with a view of equipping them to design and carry out research projects involving conceptually sound planning, implementation, and critical reflection. Grade Mode: A.