200

This course will explore the primary theories and practices in social and economic development of communities on a local and global scale. The course takes its basic approach to the subject from a consideration of the role of culture in economic development and social change. The course will include an overview of the history and impact of globalization, the impact of global population growth and migration patterns, and the growth and impact of transnational corporations on societies. Finally in this course students will receive an introduction to the major multinational bodies such as The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization, as well as the development activities of governmental and non-governmental agencies.

This course seeks to define the phenomenon of contemporary human trafficking and modern day slavery as a violation of a fundamental human right. Key terminology and definitions, the causes and the scope of the problem (both locally and globally) and a biblical response will be addressed. Consideration will also be given to the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual trauma experienced by victims of human trafficking. Transformational care practices to traffic survivors will be analyzed as well as reflection as to how to best mobilize a Christian response to human trafficking in an attempt to prevent and eradicate human trafficking.

This course focuses on a holistic Christian approach to positive material, social, and spiritual change in human societies. It will examine the meaning and goals of transformational community development, the Biblical and theological worldviews that inform it, and the practices that enable it to occur. During the course, students will be introduced to the views of theologians, theoreticians, and developmental practitioners. Topics to be covered include the poor in scripture and society, Biblical perspectives on the creation and distribution of wealth, and differing views of community development. Finally, the course will cover the basic skills and commitments required of the Christian practitioner of transformational community development.

This course will examine urban life in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Particular attention will be directed to the process of urbanization and to the political economy of the growth of cities; the impact of urbanization on rural cultures; race, class and ethnic relations in urban areas; and social use of urban space.

This course seeks to expose students to urban ministries by allowing them to spend one week, under supervision, learning, ministering and serving in a major city in the United States. Prior to the urban ministry experience, through classroom lectures and exercises, students will learn about urban issues and challenges along with the role of the Church as agent of hope and wholeness in the urban environment. Students will also learn the techniques and strategies employed by various church-based community organizations in the urban context in preparation for their on-site observation, and supervised participation. Additional fees are required. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.

This course introduces the student to urban ministries through first-hand exposure of church-based community organizations, and through an evaluation of various urban ministry techniques and strategies currently being used to bring hope and wholeness to the people of the urban centers.