ACOM / Study / Units / M9227C Intercultural Communication

M9227C Intercultural Communication

This unit gives a comprehensive introduction to intercultural communication.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

N/A

Study Mode

N/A

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Unit Details

This unit gives a comprehensive introduction to intercultural communication. Enough theory is given to ground the unit while keeping the focus on ministry application. The first part of the unit covers key principles that impact intercultural communication including a theological framework, worldview and culture. The second section covers a series of areas where people working in intercultural contexts often encounter tensions such as different approaches to time and punctuality, task-people orientation and individualism and collectivism. The last section overviews evangelism, dealing with conflict, and communication in the digital age all within an intercultural context. The unit is practical in its orientation.

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

  1. Examine the concept of worldview and explain principles of intercultural communication from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the biblical, theological and theoretical foundations of intercultural communication, with reference to recent developments in the field.
  3. Analyse a range of intercultural situations, discerning assumptions and values underlying surface cultural forms and behaviour.
  4. Develop culturally sensitive strategies for dealing with the complexities of intercultural communication as it relates to Christian ministry and mission.
  5. Apply principles learned in this unit to strengthening Christian ministry and mission in intercultural settings.
  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 (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 4
  2. Field Study (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Week 9
  3. Ministry Project (45%)
    Word Limit: 2700
    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

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

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM has been a transformational and empowering experience for me. The flexibility has allowed me to pursue my studies at my own pace without compromising ministry work. The trimester system makes it achievable to complete units at a pace that suits my schedule, while the practical ministry focus ensures what I learn is applicable to my day to day ministry. As a Youth Pastor, ACOM has been a supportive and accessible environment, empowering me to grow academically and spiritually while serving in my church context.
Grace Cook – Master of Leadership

Student Stories

Studying at ACOM has been perfect for me. The flexibility and accessibility of the study has worked super well alongside ministry work. It has allowed me to balance my commitments with "on the job ministry", whilst being further equipped through my studies online.
JP Schokman – Bachelor of Theology

Want To Learn But Short On Time? Try An Audit

Auditing study units can be a great way to boost your professional knowledge and skills without committing to an academic unit with assignments. Many ACOM units have the option to audit (access) the online study materials, and/or to attend the facilitations (both partial and full attendance).

Learn More