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
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. | |
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