Intercultural Studies Courses

ICS150 — Global Christian Citizenship (3)

The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof (Ps 24:1). We live in a world that is burgeoning with change and challenge. This course provides a sweeping overview of the changes and challenges shaping our world that God so loves. This overview provides the context for students to establish a clear commitment to living as both responsible Christians and
global citizens, committed both to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

ICS151 — Foundations of Global Studies (3)

The basic foundations of ministry are universal. That said, the approach and face of ministry takes on different forms in the myriad of cultures and international settings throughout our world. As Christians, we are all called to minister using our God-given gifts and talents in the contexts we find ourselves in. In this course, students will learn practical skills in assessing the context of a situation, through understanding the history, the current social constructs and the movement of the Holy Spirit in a given context or setting. They will also learn what it takes to bring about a social revolution and ultimately transformation for the glory of God throughout the world.

ICS155 — Global Child & Youth Care Practices (3)

Global child and youth care practices will provide the student with practical introductory skills and knowledge to connect to and work with youth in the context of community in an international setting. Students can expect to acquire skills that will enhance the growth and development of children and youth in a variety of contexts: ie., church, NGO, community, hospitals, orphanage or relief and development projects. Attention will be given to helping students to be sensitive and aware of the many possible cultural differences and challenges they could face and enable them to work effectively with people in various cultural settings.

ICS200 — Calgary-based Intercultural Field Experience (3)

During the third semester of most of the Global Studies Diploma program, students will be required to work/volunteer 100 hours with an international agency based in Calgary. Students will be placed with an agency and work/volunteer in the area of their specific Global Studies concentration. They will work and learn under a supervisor who will give them training and insight into the realities of working for an international agency in the home office. The students will also be submitting journal entries and meeting regularly with their faculty advisor.

ICS250 — Crosscultural Communication (3)

The purpose of this course is to explore the cultural, theoretical, and practical aspects of effective crosscultural communication. Attention is given to critical elements in crosscultural communication such as avoiding ethnocentricity and developing awareness of non-verbal communication. Students will receive the necessary tools to build a personalized framework for
crosscultural communication. Prerequisite: ICS150.

ICS252 — Theological Foundations for Global Studies (3)

A comprehensive study of the nature and missionary intent of the church as it is progressively revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Emphasis is placed on enabling potential church leaders to solidify and grasp the biblical basis of missionary imperatives as they relate to intercultural world evangelization and church planting. Prerequisite: ICS150.

ICS253 — Global Ministry Practices (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the different structures used in global ministries and their potential place in those ministries. Much has changed over the past few decades on how agencies work internationally due to drastic changes brought on by the electronic age, globalization and urbanization. From the philosophical forces that drive the agency to how they view obtaining the resources they need to accomplish their goals, this class will explore who is doing what in this field and how students can best serve within it.

ICS255 — Global Child & Youth Care Issues (3)

This course will help to prepare students to work in varying circumstances with children and youth by giving them an introduction to many of the issues that children and youth are faced with in the developing world. We will look at some of the challenges of working in a cross cultural context. Topics to be explored will include: AIDS, prostitution, slavery and human trafficking, war/trauma/PTSD, orphanages, homelessness, internally displaced persons camps (IDP’s), abandonment, poverty, risk and resilience, nutrition, abuse, grief and loss, racism, gangs and ethnic conflict. The question of “How can we make a difference?” will be explored. The course will also look at primary, secondary and tertiary interventions and examine ways to work in community.

ICS259 — International Practicum (6)

During the fourth semester of the Global Studies Diploma program, students will complete their international practicum in a foreign country with an international agency in the area of their specific Global Studies concentration. The minimum length of this practicum is four months under the direct supervision of an experienced field worker. On the field, students will be working on assignments in the areas of both personal and professional development. The students will be submitting assignments throughout their international practicum and be in contact with their faculty advisor as regularly as technology at their placement allows for.

ICS353 — Urban Realities and Strategies (3)

This course focuses on understanding the importance and dynamics of cities with a view to preparing the student for effective urban ministry.  Attention is given to developing a biblical basis for urban ministry and presenting contemporary strategies for urban evangelism and church planting in North America and around the world. Personal issues related to living and ministering in the city are also discussed. (Offered in partnership with CrossTraining.)

ICS354 — Global Ministry Methods and Disciplines (3)

This interactive course provides foundational material for understanding spiritual growth and interpersonal challenges unique to living and ministering in a crosscultural context. Students will be mentored as they work at building critical skills to help them live and minister cross-culturally. These skills include understanding different worldviews, adapting to cultural differences, and weathering culture shock, among others. Various presenters provide material that is then worked through in a weekly interactive workshop context. (Offered in partnership with CrossTraining.)

ICS356 — Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)

This course is offered in cooperation with the Perspectives Calgary task force. This world–wide course, originally conceived by the U.S Centre for World Mission, has over 50,000 graduates and provides a sweeping overview of the biblical, historical, strategic, and cultural “perspectives” that inspire the World Christian movement. Prerequisite: ICS 150.

ICS358 — Specialized Studies in Intercultural Ministries as available (3)

Specialized studies are usually led by visiting professors in areas of their expertise. Specific course titles vary with each offering as the nature of the studies indicates.

ICS360 — Calgary Intercultural Experience (3)

During the first semester of the CrossTraining year, students minister in an ethnic church in Calgary. This ministry is under the supervision of an ethnic pastor. Participants also keep a detailed journal of their experience and have regular debriefing sessions with both the pastor and an appointed mentor. This ministry requires a 10–15 hour weekly commitment. (Offered
in partnership with CrossTraining.)

ICS450 — Issues and Trends in Global Ministry (3)
As the world changes, so do the challenges and opportunities for the advance of the gospel. Each new generation and each cultural and social reality requires a unique approach, inspired by clear biblical thinking and missiological reflection. This course provides a critical appraisal of
current missions approaches that seek to rise to the challenge of effective communication of the gospel, the growth of the worldwide church, and the advance of the kingdom of God.

ICS458 — Intercultural Research Project (3)

This major research paper is to be completed in the fourth year of the program. Through consultation with the program advisor, students research a topic of interest in the area of missiology. Another option for this paper is to complete an in–depth ethnography, field research project, or area study.

ICS460 — Overseas Intercultural Practicum (6)

As an integral part of the CrossTraining year, students complete an intercultural practicum under the direct supervision of a missionary on the field. This practicum is generally three months long, and is preceded by two days of orientation. On the field, students will keep a detailed journal of their experience and interact regularly with their missionary mentor. Upon
return, students meet for two days of debriefing and evaluation. (Offered in partnership with CrossTraining.)