SPIN 310 Worldview and Societal Transformation (3 credits)
Semester Program in Nicaragua Fall 2015
Professors:
Bethany Beachum, BA, (International Development)
bethanybeachum@gmail.com 8465 8277
James Padilla-DeBorst, MNM, (NonProfit Management) MPA (Public Administration)
jpadilladeborst@crcna.org
Steve Holtrop, MA (Missions and Church Growth)
sholtrop@crcna.org 8887 4360
Office Hours: By Appointment
Course Description:
This course requires the study of systematic Reformed thought for the disciplines of community
development and societal transformation. In dialogue with alternative modern views and other
Christian perspectives, we will examine the implications of Reformed thought for addressing poverty,
systems of injustice, and the societal transformation of Nicaragua today.
During this semester you will see the Reformed understanding of worldview in a new context; analyze
the application of this Reformed worldview in the discipline of community development; and identify
the ways Nicaraguans are approaching societal transformation. We will examine a variety of strategies
employed by government and non-governmental organizations to address issues of injustice in
Nicaragua. You will develop a critical understanding of your own worldview and the impact that God
can have through you as you live it out.
Student Learning Goals:
During this course you will be asked to reflect on your learning experiences in and out of the classroom,
through oral and written assignments designed to help you synthesize your learning, both academically
and personally throughout the semester.
Through this course, you will be able to:
 Understand basic theories and principles of development from modern worldviews, various
Christian perspectives, and Reformed thought.
 Reflect on the complexities of Nicaraguan society today and examine how Nicaraguan Christians
are currently addressing poverty and injustice in their country.
 Evaluate various response to issues of poverty and injustice by government and non-governmental
organizations.
 Examine your own worldview and articulate how it has developed and continues to develop as a
guide for your professional life.
 Analyze the role of Christians both in Nicaragua and in North America in engaging in issues of
global poverty and injustice.
Class Attendance and Participation
This class will meet as listed, in addition students will participate in the Nicaraguan orientation, as well
as learning excursions to Matagalpa (3 days) and Costa Rica (8 days). All meetings are mandatory. Active
participation in class discussions, excursions, and other activities is expected.
 Absences: Weekly class attendance is expected. Inform the instructor in advance if you are sick or
have another valid reason to be absent. See attendance policy in the handbook.
 Participation: Active, enthusiastic, and thoughtful participation is appreciated and expected.
 Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty of any kind will result in an F (no credit) on that
assignment.
 Grammar: Written reflection papers must be typed, double-spaced, and proofread for both
grammatical and spelling errors, and submitted on the due date.
 Late Work: Unless otherwise noted, all work is due at the beginning of class, whether submitted
electronically (to both professors) or in paper format. Grades for late papers will be reduced 10
percentage points for the first day and 5 percentage points for each additional day.
Texts:
 Hoksbergen, Roland. Serving God Globally: Finding Your Place in International Development.
Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2012.
 Kingsolver, Barbara. “Lily’s Chickens.” Small Wonder. Harper Collins, 2002.
 Lupton, Robert D. Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to
Reverse It). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.
 Myers, Bryant. Walking With the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational
Development. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1999.
 Van Engen, Jo Ann. “Short Term Missions: Are they worth the cost?” The Other Side. The Other
Side, 2000.
 Vanklompenburg, Carol and Biddle, Donna. On Mended Wings – Transforming Lives and
Communities in Nicaragua. Iowa: The Write Place, 2011. This reading is recommended, but
OPTIONAL.
 Walsh, Brian and Middleton, J.Richard. The Transforming Vision – Shaping a Christian
Worldview. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP, 2005. This reading is recommended, but OPTIONAL.
 Yamamori, Tetsunao and Padilla, Carlos Rene. The Local Church, Agent of Transformation: An
Ecclesiology for Integral Mission. Buenos Aires: Kairos, 2004. This reading is recommended, but
OPTIONAL.
Course Outline
Sept. 29-Oct. 1: Learning Trip – Matagalpa
**Be sure to take good notes during trip and always have a good question ready for our hosts.
Assignment (due Oct. 5):
 Submit a reflection paper of 3 pages discussing how Acción Médica Cristiana is approaching
community development. Include your personal observations from the trip.
Oct 7: Intro – Review Syllabus, Talk about Rural Trip, Intro to Worldview
Assignment (due Oct. 7):
 Read Walking with the Poor, Chapters 1 & 2
Oct 8: Four Modern Views of Development: Modernization, Marxism, Post-Development, Capabilities
Assignment (due Oct. 8):
 Read Serving God Globally, Introduction, Chapter 1 and submit a 1 page reflection paper
discussing the reading and responding to the discussion questions at the end of Chapter 1.
 Read Walking with the Poor, Chapter 3
Oct 21: Four Christian Perspectives of Development: Catholicism, Reformed, Mennonite, Evangelical
Assignment (due Oct. 21):
 Read Serving God Globally Chapter 2 and submit a 1 page reflection paper discussing the
reading and responding to the discussion questions at the end of Chapter 2.
 Read Walking with the Poor, Chapter 4
Oct 22: Basic Principles for Working in Development & Societal Transformation
Assignment (due Oct. 22):
 Read Serving God Globally Chapter 3 and submit a 1 page reflection paper discussing the
reading and responding to the discussion questions at the end of Chapter 3.
 Read Walking with the Poor, Chapter 5
Oct 28: Nicaraguan Responses to Poverty & Injustice
*Possible visit to Nehemiah Center ETU program
Assignment (due Oct. 29):
 Read Toxic Charity Chapters 1-3
Oct 29: Short-Term Missions and the Role of Foreigners in Development
Assignment (due Oct. 28):
 Read Short Term Missions: Are they worth the cost?
 Read Toxic Charity Chapters 4 & 5
 Write a 1 page reflection paper that discusses the readings
Nov 4: US Embassy Visit: U.S. Gov’t Approach to Development & Immigration
Assignment (due Nov. 4):
 Read Toxic Charity Chapters 6-8
Nov 5: Committing to Global Justice through our Lifestyles
Assignment (due Nov. 5):
 Finish Toxic Charity Chapter 9 & 10
 Read Lily’s Chickens essay and write a 1 page reflection paper in response.
Nov. 7-14: Community Development models in Costa Rica
Be prepared to engage in dialogue and debates while in the context of Costa Rica
Dec 4: Final Presentations and Wrap-Up
Final assignment for December 1: In a paper of 8-10 pages, choose one of the theoretical perspectives
discussed in this course and compare and contrast with a Reformed perspective of global development.
Discuss how your own worldview has developed throughout the course, particularly with respect to
global injustice and societal transformation. Attempt to put into conversation our readings, field visits
and class discussions and your own process of learning and change in Nicaragua this semester.
An oral presentation (12-15 minutes plus time for reaction and discussion) to group will be made on
final meeting. This presentation should be creative and engaging. It is NOT simply a reading of your
paper. Paper and presentation graded separately.
Grading
Grading is according to letter grades: A, B, C, D & F
Class participation: 10%
Rural Visit Paper: 15%
Reflection Papers: 30%
Debate: 10%
Final paper: 20%
Final Presentation: 15%
Grading Scale. A: 91-100 B: 81-90 C: 71-80 D: 60-70 F: below 60