MTM 513
MTM Independent Study Syllabus
School of Technology and Ministry
Mission Statement
To educate and equip others to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name through
technology in both lay and professional ministry contexts.
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Andrew Sears
asears@cityvision.edu
617-282-9798 x101
MTM Program Outcomes
At the conclusion of their MTM program, the student will able to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
develop effective technology programs in a way that takes into account the unique cultures they will be serving
and how to use technology to serve the poor and cross-cultural communities
understand the philosophy, theology and historical context of technology in ministry and how to apply that in
professional settings
understand the vocation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers and their unique identity
and role within their field in a way that maximizes their calling and enables ministry
understand complex systems in a way that helps them to effectively lead others and apply technology in ministry
and professional environments
understand some of the limits of technology and how to counter some of the negative implications of technology
and its effect on relationships and creation of new addictions
develop effective strategies for sustainable technology ministry initiatives by monitoring and understanding the
latest theories, trends, tools and opportunities in technology in ministry and business professions.
Independent Study
Syllabus
Please type or print legibly
Student Name
Independent Study Course Title
Credits
Proposed Advisor
(Attach Curriculum Vitae to Proposal)
Advisor address
Advisor Phone/Email
Why is an Independent Study needed
to research the proposed subject
matter?
(will be inserted by Registrar’s Office)
Course Number
[Insert your title here]
Course Title
[indicate number here]
Credits
[advisor]
Professor of Record
Final Project is due 90 days after approval of Independent Study.
Date Project Due
All homework must be submitted and saved using the following format:
your last name + course # + course name.doc
Procedure/Summary
Course Description
Desired Outcomes
(must fit within one or
more of the MTM
program outcomes
above)
[Describe the procedure you will undertake to complete this study]
This independent study is designed to [describe your course]
Upon successfully completing this course, student should be able to
[what is your objective? List them here]
1. Outcome;
2. Outcome;
3. Outcome;
4. Outcome; and
5. Outcome.
Which MTM Program Outcomes listed on the first page, do your
independent study outcomes meet. Please explain how your
independent study outcomes help meet these program outcomes.
Course Requirements
Book Reports
Chapter 1
The total number of pages to be read for this study is __ (to
calculate the number of pages to be read and written to amount to the
proper credit, please refer to pages 8-11 of this packet). The book
reports will appear in your final project as Chapter 1 (see Paper
Template for formatting). Once you have read the required books, fill
in the remaining required number of pages by choosing from the
recommended list; some alternatives can be negotiated for various
specialized topics or regions of the world. Consult with the Professor
of Record to obtain approval for alternate books. Make sure you copy
the Registrar if you receive approval to use books that are not listed in
the bibliography.
Students may also use other forms of media in this course. For any
media used in this course beyond reading, please keep a log that
includes:
1. The length of time of the media
2. A title brief description of the media
3. A link to the media
Course Project
Chapter 2
Self Evaluation
Chapter 3
2 type-written pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman,
12 pitch font, 500-word maximum
First paragraph: No more than 100 words. Needs to state the
author’s intent in writing the book, and his/her main thesis, as well as
the basic construction.
Middle paragraph: The largest component in your report, but
no more than 300 words. Here we want you to INTERACT with the
content of the book. Conduct an analysis of the core message or
comment on some of the aspects that were more relevant to you. You
may agree or disagree with the author, but tell us why. What was not
said that should have been? Don’t just tell us what the author said.
Reflect on it.
Final paragraph: No more than 100 words. How will something
from this book touch or influence your work? Be SPECIFIC and
concrete. No generalities. How will your work change as a result of
having read this book?
The course project should design, implement, evaluate and
report on some aspect of the course related ministry issues. You may
discuss ideas for this with your professor. This report will be due 90
days from the date it was approved by the your professor. The paper
should be ___ pages. This project should describe how you integrated
the elements from your reading and other experiences, your final
evaluation of the effectiveness of your work, and some survey
questions you asked others to assist in determining the effectiveness
and quality of your work.
Write an evaluation in two or three pages that reflects what you
learned during this course, i.e. whether it met what you anticipated
based on the course’s desired learning outcomes (goals or objectives),
as well as your personal goals for the course. This is not an evaluation
of the class, but of your learning experience. Assign yourself a grade,
including the reasoning behind what you shared in your assignment.
[NOTE: The below grading scale is merely an example—you may tailor this to fit your needs.]
Grading
Reading and Book Reviews 25%
Course Journal 25%
Project/Paper 50%
REQUIRED READING
[List the books you wish to include in your required reading here]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[You must be familiar with these books, but they are not required reading]
Estimated Activities and Times
The reading/viewing/listening and assignments for this course shall total 135 to 270 hours, depending on whether
the student is seeking 3 or 6 credit hours. The hours calculation for reading is shown in the table below.
Written Work
Except for Class Forum posts, all written assignments should be double-spaced using 11-point font and 1-inch
margins, and include a relevant heading (name, date, assignment title), and subheadings where appropriate, which
can be viewed in a Navigation Pane. Multi-page assignments should also include page numbers. Please correct
spelling and grammatical errors before submitting all assignments. Spelling, grammar, and writing style will be
taken into consideration in evaluating written work. Assignments should be submitted to the Course Dropbox
within Moodle. Every assignment should carry a filename that MUST include your name (Student Name) and the
assignment number, e.g. Jan_Smith_Minor1.doc
Written work must be reflective, balanced, scholarly analysis and be well-supported by references. Deep familiarity
with the biblical text will be appreciated as will the ability to showcase extensive theological reading and reflection
and to critically examine an issue from many points of view.
Very informal or highly opinionated writing styles will be severely penalized. Do not preach.
This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. For more academic policies,
please visit: http://www.cityvision.edu/cms/cv/academic-policies
Duties of the Advisor
The duties of the Independent Studies Advisor include the following:
1. Assist student in constructing a proposed Independent Study course syllabus following the guidelines found in
the Student Handbook pages 19-20 and calculate the required number of hours to be invested by the student
using the calculations in the Student Handbook on pages 5-8.
2. Review and grade the completed coursework assignments from the student at the end of 90 days after
approval or at the end of extensions granted.
3. Forward graded coursework and Grade Summary (last page of this packet) to the Registrar’s Office for
recording in student’s record no later than two months after receipt of coursework.
Terms of Agreement:
1. This contract and a W9 Form are to be signed by the student’s Independent Study Advisor and returned
to the Registrar’s Office.
2. Advisor shall receive a fee based on a rate of $100 per credit hour (indicate number of credits above).
3. Advisor will be paid half of the amount upon approval of the independent study by the Academic Affairs
Committee, receipt of the signed Advisor Contract, and contingent upon tuition payment in full by the
student.
4. Remaining payment will be remitted upon the Registrar’s receipt of the final grade and graded
coursework.
Contract Agreement
This contract agreement was accepted and signed by the following parties:
Advisor Signature
Date
Academic Dean Signature
Date
3-credit Masters
Time Calculations
Activity
(Minimum
Requirement)
Standard for
Time
Calculation
Reading
(1,000 pages
minimum; less if
textbooks)
1 hr for @ 25
pages read @ 20
for dense
textbooks
1 hr for @
polished page or
@ 2 polished
presentation slide
1 hr for @
polished page
Book Reports and
Course Papers
Journaling
Course “seat”
time:
In-class & on-line
time
1 hr for @ actual
hr. spent
Log of Media
Keep a Log of
Time
6-credit Masters
Project
1 hr for @ actual,
(as authorized by
substantive
POR)
hr. spent
Target: 135 Hours Minimum
Example:
Student’s
Activity
Example:
Total
hours that
Activity
1,000 Pages read
40 hours
Project in lieu of
paper
5 pages of book
reports
0 hours of
journaling
0 hrs. in-class
0 hrs. on-line
25 hours of
audio/video
lectures
65 hours
implementing
project plan
Total
0 hours
5 hours
0 hours
0 hours
0 hours
25 hours
65 hours
135 hours
Activity
(Minimum
Requirement)
Standard for
Time
Calculation
Example:
Student’s
Activity
Example:
Total
hours that
Activity
Reading
(2000 pages Minimum;
less if textbooks)
1 hr for @ 25
pages read
2000 Pages read
80 hours
Book Reports and Course
Papers
1 hr for @
polished page
10 page paper
10 hours
Course “seat” time:
In-class & on-line time
1 hr for @ actual
hr. spent
Journaling
1 hr for @
polished page
Log of Media
Keep a Log of
Time
Project
(as authorized by the
Professor of Record)
1 hr for @ actual,
substantive
hr. spent
Target: 270 Hours Minimum
10 pages of book
reports
50 hr. in-class
30 hrs. on-line
0 hours of
journaling
25 hours of
audio/video
lectures
30 hours
implementing
project plan
Total
10 hours
30 hours
0 hours
30 hours
110 hours
270 hours
Media Log
Title
Time Length
URL
Date Viewed
Independent Study Grading Rubric
Score
(0100)
Content Knowledge
Demonstrates proficiency in content knowledge of the subject matter.
Comments:
Weight
Weighted
Score
0
0
.25
23.75
.25
23.75
Critical Thinking
Demonstrates clear and logical progression and conclusions.
Comments:
0
Communication
Writing is appropriate to selected audience, no style guide errors,
good “flow,” with no grammar/spelling errors
Comments:
0
0
.15
23.75
0
.35
23.75
0
0
0
95
Application
Relevant examples, clear steps and recommendations
Comments:
Late deductions (e.g., ):
Score:
Overall Comments:
--
STM Rubric Explanations
Insufficient
(0-79)
Sufficient
(80-89)
Proficient
(90-100)
Content Knowledge





Students demonstrates proficiency in content knowledge of the subject matter.
Does not demonstrate a
 Demonstrates a
 Demonstrates a diverse and
worldview
knowledgeable worldview
knowledgeable worldview
The document does not
 The document
 The document demonstrates
demonstrate research of
demonstrates research of
research of the literature on the
the literature on the
the literature on the subject
subject matter at a masters level.
subject matter.
matter but at a level lower
than at a masters.
Work does not indicate
 Work indicates research but  Work indicates, as appropriate,
research method and/or
not appropriate for the
knowledge, choice, and
analysis.
purpose of the
application of research method
document/presentation
and analysis.
The work does not
 Referenced theories and
 Referenced theories and concepts
reference theories and
concepts are accurate but
are accurate, sufficiently detailed,
concepts.
not sufficient or appropriate
and appropriately applied.
applied.
The author uses
 The author uses information  The author uses information from
information from too
from a variety of quality
a variety of quality electronic and
limited a base of sources
electronic and print sources;
print sources; the sources are
and lacks variety.
but lacks relevance and/or
relevant, balanced, and include
balance.
critical readings related to the
article topic.

Does not demonstrate an
understanding of culture.

Demonstrates knowledge
that culture contributes to
shaping one’s viewpoint.

Articulates the ways in which
culture contributes to shaping
one’s viewpoint.
Critical Thinking








Demonstrates clear and logical progression and conclusions.
The purpose and premise
 The author leaves it up to
 A clear introduction sets the
is not presented.
the reader to determine the
stage for the reader to know
purpose of the document.
what the article is about and how
the document supports the
premise.
The author fails to use
 The author uses structure
 The author develops appropriate
structure.
but is not fully appropriate.
structure for communicating the
topic.
Unwillingness to engage in
 Communicates from a
 Willingness to engage in difficult
difficult conversations
position of dominant culture
conversations with tolerance of
diverse viewpoints
The author fails to show
 The author shows evidence
 The writer communicates
evidence of either logic or
of some logic but fails to
information in a logical,
transition
follow the tenets of good
interesting sequence organized
communication with regard
with smooth transitions that the
to sequence and/or
reader can easily follow.
transition
There is a lack of
 There is a lack of evidence
 Accesses needed information
information.
of effective information.
effectively and efficiently.
Does not show evidence of
 Shows evidence of applying
 Translates global learning into
application of learning to
global learning in ethical
ethical and reflective practice.
ethical and reflective
and reflective practice.
practice.
Does not analyze issues.
 Analyzes issues from one
 Analyzes issues from multiple
perspective
perspectives.
Does not evaluate
 Evaluates information but
 Evaluates information and its
information.
lacks evidence of critical
sources critically.
evaluation.
Communication





Writing is appropriate to selected audience, no style guide errors, good “flow,” with no
grammar/spelling errors
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation has an
has an average of one error
demonstrates an exceptional
average greater than one
per page, slide, or oneadherence to selected style, flow,
error per page, slide, or
minute of oral presentation.
grammar, punctuation, wordone-minute of oral
smithing, and correct use of the
presentation.
word-processor to handle
formatting (zero errors).
Does not evaluate
 Evaluates information but
 Evaluates information and its
information
lacks evidence of critical
sources critically
evaluation
No evidence of ethical,
 Minimal evidence of ethical,
 Understands and follows the
legal, and socio-economic
legal, and socio-economic
ethical, legal, and socio-economic
issues.
issues.
issues surrounding the use of
information and technology.
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation does not show
shows evidence of Biblical
shows appropriate presentation
evidence of Biblical
concepts but inappropriate
of Biblical concepts relative to the
concepts.
presentation to the
audience and publication (plainaudience
glass or stain-glass)
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation shows more
shows up to four format
adheres to the format dictated by
than four format errors.
errors.
the target publication or intended
audience. The final product is
suitable for immediate use.
Application





Relevant examples, clear recommendations, to improve groups
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation does not show
alludes to application but
presents information, concepts,
evidence of application
does not do so in a manner
conclusions, etc., so that the
that is clear to the reader
readers can use the information
to improve/transform their lives
and the global organizations in
which they serve.
Does not show recognition
 Recognizes the impact of
 Recognizes the impact of global
of the impact of global
global issues on individual
issues on individual lives, and
issues on individual lives.
lives but does not show
believes individual and
evidence of belief in
collaborative action can influence
collaboration
the world
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation lacks
provides examples of how
provides examples of how the
examples of how the
the recommendations might
recommendations might be
recommendations might be
be applied but the
applied at the personal, team or
applied.
application is not relevant.
organization level.
The document/
 The document/ presentation  The document/ presentation
presentation does not offer
presents information in
adopts a consultative approach
clear actionable concepts
manner that is not
by proposing clear, strategic,
consultative but is one-way
actionable, and practical steps
directive.
that are readily transferable to
technology and ministry contexts.
The document/
 The recommendations are
 The recommendations are clear
presentation lacks
there but not clear and/or
and specific for the designated
recommendations
specific.
audience.