Courses

Introduction to the general field of anthropology, including reviews of scientific theories as basis of the academic research, as well as social, cultural, ethnographic and methodological topics which refer to the discipline. The course includes a study of diversity and similarity of behavior patterns, values, traditions, economical systems and customs of people in different cultural contexts- present and past. The focus will be to enhance students understanding of human nature. This will be derived from the investigation of the variety and range of socially standardized responses to the circumstances of human living. Such insight transcends a culture- bound approach, which views things from the narrow perspective of one's native cultural background. In each aspect of human culture this introduction seeks to provide an appreciation of other cultures as well an understanding of our values attitudes within society, lastly it reflects the perspective of our Christian faith toward society.

This course provides an introduction to the field of international development through an overview of the many issues and challenges relating to economic disparity among people of various nations. Students engage in the exploration of responses to these situations. The course is open to students from all disciplines.

This course gives students the opportunity to examine and interpret how the socio-cultural context affects the way people speak in that setting. Topics in focus include regional and social dialects, multilingualism, language attitudes and their impact on national and personal identity, linguistic politeness, the maintenance, shift, loss, and spread of languages, and the impact of modern technology. Applications to gender and education are explored in depth.

The study of sound systems of human language, including initial principles of phonological analysis. Application of these principles to a wide range of natural language data.

Theories of grammar and principles of language analysis. Topics include: morphology, syntax, stems, words, phrases, sentences, and categories of meaning. Problem solving with data from a variety of languages is a major part of the course.

This course is about the nature of cross-cultural interaction. Cultural concepts and contexts are explored through taxonomies, theories, and comparative analysis. Through in-class and out-of-class activities, students become self-aware and other-aware. Students also experiment with cultural behaviours and cultural change, aiming to increase both explanatory and predictive cultural knowledge, and enhance behavioural competencies.

This course provides an analysis of the relationship of government policies and economic development in selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Topics include the role of leadership and public policy; challenges of development; obstacles to democratization; and the interaction of domestic and global political/economic structures.

What do Christians believe about God and what are their grounds for holding these beliefs? Introduction to Christian theology places Christian theology in the broader context of religion and invites students to consider their own beliefs in the context of the broader Christian theological tradition and to explore their relationship to scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. Students are encouraged to consider the importance and relevance of Christian theology in academic and ecclesial contexts with special attention to spiritual formation.

A study of the New Testament writings in their historical setting and chronological sequence with the goal of acquiring knowledge of their theological unity and diversity.