M9685
Course Unit Outline
Unit Code
M9685
Unit Name
Cross-Cultural Mission
Unit Weighting
9 credit points
Type of Unit
Specialised
Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions
Nil
Academic Staff
Patricia Harrison PhD (UQ); M Div, ThM, MA-Intercultural Studies (Fuller);
MSt (Oxon); M Ed St-TESOL (UNISA); BA Hons, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Multicultural Ed, Grad Dip
Aboriginal Ed (UNE); MACE.
Rick Lewis, BA (Macquarie 1988), D.Min (Fuller 2001)
Curriculum Objectives
This course 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 cross-cultural ministry and mission at home or abroad.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. examine the concept of culture, and explain principles of cross-cultural communication from an
interdisciplinary perspective
2. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theological and theoretical foundations of
intercultural ministry and mission, with reference to recent developments in the field
3. analyse a range of cross-cultural situations, discerning assumptions and values underlying
surface cultural forms and behaviour
4. develop culturally sensitive strategies for dealing with the complexities of cross-cultural
ministry and mission
5. apply principles learned in this unit to strengthening Christian ministry and mission in crosscultural setting.
Threshold concept to be acquired in this unit
The basic anthropological distinction between form and function is critical to cross-cultural
communication. Words or behaviours can mean different things in different cultures, and we must
not assume they have the same meaning in another culture as they would in ours. The danger lies
in equating our interpretation of observed behaviours with their actual meaning in another cultural
context
Content
1. Biblical and theological foundations of cross-cultural mission
2. Culture and worldview; models of culture types
3. Examining one’s own culture and worldview in comparison with others; the importance of
adopting a learner’s posture and showing sensitivity in approaching other cultures
4. Culture shock; reverse culture shock
5. Modern communication theory: principles and terminology; perils of miscommunication
distinguishing form and function and the pitfalls of misattribution
6. Aspects of cross-cultural communication, including language and non-verbal communication
relationship of medium and message; and the influence of social structures on communication
7. Church and culture
8. Contextualisation, indigenisation and enculturation in cross-cultural ministry and mission
9. Dealing with prejudice, racism and cross-cultural conflict
Learning Activities
A selection of the following or similar, depending on unit delivery format (classroom, flexible,
intensive, etc.): lectures, learning tasks, tutorials, problem-based learning, case studies, reading,
field observation, excursions, viewing relevant films, DVDs, guest speaker/s.
Required Specialist Facilities or Equipment
Nil
Assessment Profile
Assessment tasks are designed both to help students attain the unit outcomes and to enable
teachers to assess student attainment. In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable
students to demonstrate how successfully they can:
1. Present a critical analysis of intercultural communication dynamics observed in the field.
E.g. seminar presentation, short written report, video or Power Point production, etc.
(individual or group). The study should be based on a cross-cultural scene new to the student.
[Outcome 3]
2. Critically evaluate alternative approaches to cross-cultural communication in the context of
ministry or mission. E.g. essay, tutorial paper, case study, simulation, group presentation, etc.
[Outcomes 1,2, 4 and 5]
OR
Design a contextualised product to communicate to a specific cross-cultural audience, e.g. art
work, music, worship service, skit, sermon, drama, etc. The product should show evidence of
contextualisation, and of the understanding and application of relevant principles learned in
this unit. [Outcomes 4 and 5]
3. Apply principles of cross-cultural communication to a specific ministry situation. Major Essay or
Seminar Paper: e.g. An analysis of a cross-cultural situation in which the student is involved, or
plans to be involved. [Outcomes 3, 4 and 5]
4. Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts in this unit, and completion of required
reading. Comprehensive Written Assessment. E.g. exam, test, annotated reading report, or
short-answer questions based mainly on set reading. [Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]
Representative References
1. Bevans, S. & R. Schroeder. Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today. Maryknoll,
NY: Orbis Books, 2004.
2. Dodd, C.H. Dynamics of Intercultural Communication. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill, 1997.
3. Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility. Downers
Grove: IVP, 2006.
4. Kraft, C.H. (ed.) Appropriate Christianity. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2006.
5. Hiebert, P.G. Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People
Change. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.
6. Hesselgrave, D.J. Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
1991.
7. Lane, Patty. A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.
8. Lingenfelter, S. G. Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Mission. Grand Rapids MI:
Baker Books, 2005.
9. Myers, B. Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development.
Revised edition. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, Dec 2011.
10. Samovar, L.A.; Porter, R.E.; and McDaniel. E.R. Intercultural Communication: A Reader. Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth, 2011.
11. Shaw, R. D. & C. Van Engen. Communicating God’s Word in a Complex World. Lanham: Rowman
& Littlefield, 2003.
12. Tucker, F. Intercultural Communication for Christian Ministry. Hove, South Australia: SelfPublished Electronic Book. 2011. (In press, Baker: 2011.)
13. Winter, R.D. & S.C. Hawthorne (eds). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. 4th ed.
Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library. 2009.