This course emphasizes parallels in learning a language and learning a culture in the urban, cross-cultural context. Course assignments and discussions are designed for application in everyday encounters with individuals from other cultures within the city.

This course is a study of the process of forming and managing a non-profit organization, with a focus on the unique contributions and characteristics of faith-based organizations. Students will spend eight hours on-sight at a local ministry non-profit, attending board meeting, interviewing the chief executive and observing programs. Through this field study, students will witness the application of the concepts taught in class and will be asked to assess the various aspects of the non-profit they are studying. In addition, students will develop an overall concept/vision for a non-profit organization they would like to start and will develop a strategic plan and case statement for it.

In this course students will examine the issues surrounding race relations in the United States. This examination will include some of the history of race relations leading up to the most current racial climate. The class will develop a Biblical grid through which to understand the issues. Students will not only study the issues but also learn to think critically about Christian and secular models currently offered to solve racial problems in our nation. The class will also attempt to recast valuable secular models into Biblical categories. The class will suggest alternative modes of thinking about race relations to those concerned individuals and institutions in our culture.

This class is designed to give students a good understanding of several interrelated areas of urban ministry. The students will learn from practitioners and specialists in each of the following areas: chemical dependency (including detox, intervention strategies, treatment methods, community resources, 12-step programs, etc.), teen pregnancy, prostitution and the sex industry, HIV/AIDS, Homeland Security/INS, domestic violence, narcotics distribution and gangs.

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.

This opportunity provides independent student research on a topic of his/her choice.