Intercultural Studies Major: Cross-Cultural Studies Emphasis B.A.

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Program Director: Darren Duerksen, Ph.D.

Provides a broad foundation in studies of cultural anthropology, cross-cultural communication and international politics.

Overview

The intercultural studies program provides students the tools needed to understand, live, work and serve within cultures different from their own. In addition to its focus on cross-cultural studies, the program also considers the nature of God's work in the world and how this shapes our efforts to develop relief and development initiatives, churches, businesses and other programs designed to bring a positive and lasting impact to peoples' lives in cross-cultural contexts. It prepares students for work in fields such as international missions, international business, non-profit and international community development, urban Christian community development, human resources, human services and social work and refugee services. In addition, the major prepares students with the breadth of knowledge needed to enter into graduate study programs in intercultural studies, international development, peace and reconciliation, international policy and other subjects.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to synthesize concepts (orally & in writing) from the humanities, social sciences, biblical studies, and Anabaptist and other theological traditions into holistic views of Christian mission and transformation.
Students will be able to analyze diverse cultures and religious traditions.
Students will be able to articulate the ways in which their understanding of their own spiritual formation and/or personal identity has deepened.
Students will be able to demonstrate skills (including social science research, teaching, intercultural communication, evangelism, and/or leadership) that facilitate transformational development and holistic mission in cross-cultural contexts.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Second Major/Minor Requirement

In order to fulfill the intercultural studies major, the student is required to complete one of the following:

A second major. This is a popular option for students who intend to pursue a career in another field (such as business, social work, education, natural science, etc.) but desire to practice their career in a cross-cultural context and/or as a part of their ministry.
A minor. This option allows the student who wants to focus on preparation for cross-cultural work and ministry to develop knowledge and skills in another area of interest. The TESOL minor and certificate is a popular option (if not taken as an emphasis).

General Education Prerequisites (9 units)

BLIT 336 - Biblical Literature: Acts Credits 3
GEOG 220 - Cultural Geography Credits 3
SOC 205 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Credits 3

Required Major Core (22-23 Units)

ICS 499 - Senior Seminar in Intercultural Studies Credits 3
LANG 310 - First and Second Language Acquisition Credits 3 or 1 semester of foreign language in addition to general education requirements
LANG 310L - First and Second Language Acquisition Lab Credits 1
MIN 379 - Spiritual Formation Credits 2
PS 420 - International Relations Credits 3
REL 452 - World Christianity Credits 3 or
REL 460 - Religions of the World Credits 3
SOC 301 - Anthropology for Christian Witness Credits 3
Participate in one international and one domestic cross-cultural experience, totaling 180 hours of volunteer time. With the Program Director's approval, register for a minimum of 4 units (45 hours/unit) from the following:
ICS 382 - Intercultural Studies Practicum Credits 1 - 3
ICS 482 - Intercultural Studies Internship Credits 1 - 3
MIN 475 - Urban Los Angeles Immersion Credits 1
LANG 496 - Language Studies Internship Credits 3 –if taking the TESOL emphasis and certificate or 1 semester of foreign language in addition to general education requirements

Emphasis Courses (12 units)

Select four of the following:

COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
PS 411 - Modern Latin America: History, Politics And Culture Credits 3
PS 412 - Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture Credits 3
PS 414 - Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture Credits 3
PS 416 - Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture Credits 3
PS 425 - Global Economics and Sustainable Development Credits 3
REL 455 - Christians and Religious Neighbors Credits 3
SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3
SPAN 327 - Spain: Civilization and Culture Credits 3
SPAN 328 - Latin America: Civilization and Culture Credits 3
THEO 425 - Theological Ethics and the Environment Credits 3