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curriculum |
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Curriculum
JUNIOR YEAR: Resident in the City
During your year in the city living as a resident of South Minneapolis, you will take an
urban intensive set of core classes that are intended to challenge you and expand your
understanding of the complexities of urban and cross-cultural work. The classes are taught by
faculty on-site in South Minneapolis at a classroom in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church…just a few doors down from the U4C house. Although readings and papers come with
the territory, the classes are designed to be interactive and experiential and should encourage
you to get out of the classroom and into your new neighborhood!
Fall Semester
Principles of Urban Ministry
This course is intended to provide the learner with an introduction to theory and methodology of urban ministry from a Biblical perspective. An overview of the history, theological trends, leadership and future of urban service, with attention to Biblical principles for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of urban ministry and designs will be covered to give the students a greater understanding of urban ministry.
History and Contemporary Issues
This class is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the history and development of Minneapolis as well as its current trends and challenges. It gives the student and in-depth understanding of the milieu in which he or she will be studying the rest of the urban classes. The course will be taught using various learning methods including reading, lectures, discussions, research, writing, field trips, media presentations and guest speakers. As in integrative approach, the students will engage in a combination of classroom preparations, field experience and post-experience analysis, creating a critical reference point for the student to deepen his or her Christian worldview, cross-cultural engagement, and understanding of diverse social and cultural contexts.
Demographics and Research Methods
This class instructs students in the methods and procedures on how to conduct and read urban demographics. The class will focus on the consumption of demographic material to make competent, strategic decisions. The class will also require students to conduct mini-research projects to further their understanding of compiling demographic decisions.
Urban Social Psychology
This course will cover various phenomena related to social influence – the power of people to affect, persuade, or control the beliefs or behaviors of others. The student will become familiar with fundamental topics in social psychology, such as perception, motivation, attitudes, and attitude change.
Internship
Supervised experience in a non-profit/ministry in the urban, cross-cultural context. This course requires ministry involvement totaling at least 50 hours per credit in the area of the student’s emphasis.
Independent Study
This opportunity provides independent student research on a topic of his/her choice.