ACOM / Study / Units / M7227C Intercultural Communication

M7227C Intercultural Communication

This unit explores worldview and intercultural communication from theological and practical perspectives. It will help students understand their own worldviews and those of others and assist them in effective intercultural ministry and mission at home or abroad.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Bachelor

Unit Availability

N/A

Study Mode

N/A

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

9cp in any discipline

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Unit Details

This unit explores worldview and intercultural communication from theological and practical perspectives. It will help students understand their own worldviews and those of others and assist them in effective intercultural ministry and mission at home or abroad.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the concept of culture and foundational principles of intercultural communication.
  2. Demonstrate sound knowledge of the biblical, theological and theoretical frameworks of intercultural ministry.
  3. Evidence developing skill in analysing intercultural situations and discerning underlying assumptions and values.
  4. Develop strategies to cope with the complexities of intercultural ministry or mission.
  5. Apply a growing understanding of culture and worldview to the communication of Christian faith across cultural barriers.

 

  1. Biblical precedents for intercultural communication and mission
  2. Developing a theology of intercultural ministry and mission
  3. Understanding culture and worldview; models of culture types
  4. Identifying and understanding one’s own culture and worldview
  5. Culture shock and reverse culture shock
  6. Introduction to communication theory; dangers of miscommunication
  7. Aspects of cross-cultural communication, including language and non-verbal communication; influence of social structures on communication; relationship of medium and message; and the distinction between form and function
  8. Contextualisation, indigenisation and enculturation in intercultural ministry and mission
  9. Dealing with prejudice, racism and intercultural conflict
  1. Essay (20%)
    Word Limit: 1000
    Due: Week 4
  2. Field Study (40%)
    Word Limit: 2000
    Due: Week 9
  3. Ministry Project (40%)
    Word Limit: 2000
    Due: Week 12
  • Moreau, Scott, Evvy Hay Campbell and Susan Greener. Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014.
  • Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. and Marvin K. Mayers. Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016.

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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