Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Description

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies is a two-year (93 credits) graduate degree programme for bachelor's degree holders. It is designed for those who anticipate a ministry in a cross-cultural or multicultural setting urban setting, especially in the Asian context. It is suitable for missionaries, evangelists, missionary teachers and trainers, mission pastors, church planters, and leaders of mission organizations.

Specific Objectives

  1. To foster growth in Christian character, cross-cultural adaptability, and commitment to our Lord's Great Commission.
  2. To provide a working understanding of the essential content of each book of the Bible including the key themes, issues and theological contributions.
  3. To equip the student with the necessary working skills to study the Word of God and apply God's truth to life and ministry, especially in the Asian context.
  4. To develop skills for effective intercultural living and ministry, communication of the gospel, discipleship, teaching, church planting and developing mission strategies.
  5. To develop and understanding of the essential doctrines of the Bible and God's working through the history of Christianity.
  6. To equip the student to analyze and understand the challenges and issues in missions and ministry, and to develop Christian perspectives concerning these challenges.

Admissions Requirements

EAST considers each applicant's qualifications in these five areas:

  1. Maturity (personal, social, and spiritual)
  2. Ministry experience
  3. Leadership ability
  4. Academic ability
  5. Academic entry requirement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited or recognized university or college
Note: EAST reserves the right to make exceptions to the above policy.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Completion of the 93 credits as listed under distribution requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  2. Completion of the vocational internship.
  3. File application for graduation with the Registrar at the beginning of the last year of the programme.
  4. Approval of the candidate for the degree by an EAST faculty evaluation committee.
  5. All tuition and fees paid in full.
  6. Attendance at commencement exercises (unless special permission for absence is obtained).

Syllabus

  1st Quarter CR 2nd Quarter CR 3rd Quarter CR
1st Year BLS500 Biblical Interpretation 4 BLS551 New Testament 1 - Gospels & Acts 4 BLS552 New Testament 2 - Epistles & Revelation 4
LMC521 Advanced Evangelism & Discipleship 4 THS500 Spiritual Transformation & Warfare 4 ICS501 World Missions 4
ICS502 Intercultural Communication 2 Elective class 4 Emphasis class 4
LMC551 Effective Written Communication 2 LMC552 Public Speaking & Preaching 2 LMC501 Christian Leadership 2
Elective class 2 LMC522 Church & Ministry Growth 2 LMC571 Teaching 2
Total 14 Total 16 Total 16
2nd Year Emphasis class 4 BLS521 Old Testament 1: Genesis - 2 Chronicles 4 BLS522 Old Testament 2: Ezra - Malachi 4
Emphasis class 4 Emphasis class 2 Emphasis class 2
Elective class 2 ICS503 Religions of Asia 2 Emphasis class 4
THS501 Church History 4 THS502 Theology 1 4 THS503 Theology 2 4
LMC530 Field Practicum 1A 2 LMC531 Field Practicum 1B 2 LMC532 Field Practicum 1C 2
Total 16 Total 14 Total 16
Core classes:
Total 54 credits
  • BLS = 20 credits
  • THS = 16 credits
  • ICS = 4 credits
  • LMC = 14 credits
Emphasis classes
Total 22 credits
  1. ICS502 Intercultural Communication, 2 credits
  2. ICS503 Religions of Asia, 2 credits
Select 18 credits
  1. ICS504 Cross-cultural Adjustment, 4 credits
  2. ICS505 Missionary Anthropology, 4 credits
  3. ICS506 Church Planting & Growth, 4 credits
  4. ICS507 Contextualization, 4 credits
  5. ICS508 Tent-making, 4 credits
  6. ICS509 Missionary Care, 4 credits
  7. ICS510 Urban Ministry, 2 credits
  8. ICS520-549 Intercultural Studies Seminars, 2 or 4 credits
 Summary
Core classes : 54
Emphasis classes : 22
Elective classes : 8
Field practicum : 6
Vocational internship : 3
Total : 93

Note:

  • Elective and emphasis classes are listed in suggested order.
  • Vocational internship may be completed during the vacation.
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