Intercultural Studies - Undergraduate (INCS)

INCS 231 - Intercultural Competence & Diversity in the Global Workplace Credits 3

Students will develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to engage effectively, authentically, and equitably in diverse workplace and civic settings for global employability and becoming agents of positive social change. This course will help them to grow in understanding, valuing, appreciating, and leveraging the potential that blossoms when diverse people unite for shared purposes, leading to innovation, growth, and achievement of organizational vision. To this end, students will deepen their understanding of diversity, power, positionality, and influence in intercultural workplace and civic contexts, and identify barriers in multicultural interactions arising from histories of colonization, exploitation, and discrimination. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 233 - Introduction to World Missions Credits 3

Exploration of foundational issues related to world mission, including foundational models of global Christian witness, mission formation, history of missions, strategic priorities, contextualization, unreached peoples, and contemporary mission movements from a biblical perspective. Career tracks in mission service are explored. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 310 - General Linguistics Credits 3

Introduction to the basic concepts in the scientific study of language, major areas of linguistic analysis, and several subareas of the field, including language in society. Material from English and a variety of other languages is used to provide a broad perspective. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 313 - Practicum in Language and Culture Learning Credits 3

Techniques and activities to help a person be a more successful learner of a new language and gain insights into the host culture. Practical experience in language and culture learning in a non-English-speaking community. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 322 - Intercultural Adjustment Credits 3

Exploration of the cross-cultural transition process, focusing on healthy adjustment as a sojourner in a new culture. Attention given to understanding and applying grace to oneself and others, discerning cultural values, conflict styles, social stratification and celebration. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 324 - Understanding Islam and Islamic Theology Credits 3

An introductory survey of the Islamic world and its faith, and major themes in Muslim theology and doctrine from the Qur'an to contemporary Muslim thinkers. Topics include faith, practice, the daily life and spiritual world of Muslims; the systematic character of Muslim thought; theological, historical, political, social and cultural barriers and bridges between Muslims and Christians. Critical issues like contextualization, power encounter, church multiplication, the role of women, and contemporary Islamic thought including the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism and militant Islam. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 325 - Popular and Folk Islam Credits 3

Survey of varieties of 'folk' beliefs, practices and local expressions of the less orthodox, mystical and more syncretic/animistic components of Islam. This course equips students to understand the religious experience of everyday Islam (representing 80% of Muslims) from a biblical perspective in order to contextually communicate to the felt needs of ordinary Muslims. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 331 - Ethnicity and Diversity in America Credits 3

A study of minority ethnic groups in America in light of their historical and socio-cultural background. Practical field experience in an ethnic community. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 332 - Area and Ethnic Studies Credits 3

A study of specific cultural areas with an emphasis on customs, social structures, religion, arts, and history. Areas of specialty may include: History, People and Cultures of Latin America; History, People and Cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa; Peoples and Cultures of China; Peoples and Cultures of India; Women in Islamic Cultures; Peoples of the Middle East Islamic World; Native Peoples of America; Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia; Peoples of Europe. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different course content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 9.

INCS 333 - Principles of Church Multiplication Credits 3

Exploration of the foundational issues related to global ministry, emphasizing church planting strategies for entering and leaving an area. A holistic approach to ministry designed to empower nationals for ministry and using teamwork with the investigation of spiritual gifts, skills and life experience. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 334 - Church Planting Models and Strategies Credits 3

A survey and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various church planting strategies. Emphasizing key factors which the church planter can implement in a given cross-cultural context with strategy for turning over the leadership to the local church. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INCS 333.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 338 - Urban Ministry Models Credits 3

This study moves beyond the classroom to actual urban church plants in the greater L.A. area. Visits and dialogues provide the practical ways pastors, lay people, parachurch people, and missionaries prepare themselves and their congregations for intentional church planting in ethnically diverse communities. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Course Fee: $50.

INCS 342 - World Christianity Credits 3

An introduction to the contemporary worldwide Christian movement, focusing on social, cultural and missiological issues; the translatability of the gospel; and non-Western missions and religious movements. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 345 - Introduction to Development Credits 3

Key theories, models and macro concerns in development, and historic overview of the practice of relief and development. Exploration of topics such as poverty, gender, human rights, debt, nationalism and economic development, globalization, and transformational/holistic development. Provides a broad survey of development concepts, trends, and challenges. Note(s): Prerequisite to INCS 347, INCS 433, INCS 435. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must not be Freshman Class; and must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 347 - Micro Issues in Relief and Development Credits 3

This course deals with micro issues in relief and development such as sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, literacy, the environment, food security, micro-enterprise development, gender, migration issues, internally displaced persons (IDP's), refugee response and the role of NGOs and faith-based organizations/agencies in working with complex humanitarian emergencies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INCS 345.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 349 - Community-Based Research Credits 3

Engagement in field-based, social-science research in partnership with local agencies to explore and understand localities and people groups to facilitate effective contextualized and incarnational, cross-cultural engagement. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 352 - Field Internship Credit 1

Field internship provides an opportunity to develop cross-cultural confidence and competence in a field environment while exploring specific geographical, cultural and career areas of interest. Preparation for field internship, INCS 352 is taken in spring semester; and INCS 354, actual field experience and portfolio, are completed in fall semester. Note(s): Also available for CPLE; this course may not be taken in conjunction with a semester abroad study program. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 200, INCS 322, INCS 349, INCS 420 (any may be taken concurrently with INCS 352 or in a previous term).
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 354 - Field Internship Credits 2

Field internship provides an opportunity to develop cross-cultural confidence and competence in a field environment while exploring specific geographical, cultural and career areas of interest. Note(s): Required for all concentrations; preparation for field internship, INCS 352 is taken in the spring semester; the actual field experience is done in the summer between the Junior and Senior year, and INCS 354 and the portfolio are completed in the fall semester after the internship; also available for CPLE; this course may not be taken in conjunction with a semester abroad study program. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INCS 352.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 360 - Short-Term Mission Leadership Credits 3

Preparation to effectively lead a short-term mission team (STM) and program, including team training and preparation, models of STM service, spiritual and cultural issues, analysis of the STM paradigm, and assessment of STM effectiveness. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 371 - Profiles in Missionary Lives Credits 3

This course utilizes the uniquely evangelical genre of missionary biography to explore the lives and legacies of a number of important missionaries. The course will exegete their lives to more critically understand issues such as missionary call, mission formation and strategy, contextualization, field struggles, missionary family lives, and their lasting legacy. At its heart, the course is an exploration of the faithfulness of God in the lives of these individuals and the lasting impact Christ made through them. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 375 - Understanding the City Credits 3

An introductory study of the city as the center of religion, economics, politics and social life for all major cultures. Focuses on forming a professional response for ministry in the city. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 410 - Frontier Missiology Credits 3

An examination of the theology and missiology of the 'frontier missions' movement and the emphasis on 'unreached peoples', including its historical background, leading proponents, anthropological conceptions, and strategic implications; the dynamics of pioneer church movements; contextualization in Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Tribal societies; insider movements; and other models of mission breakthrough. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 419 - Sufism Credits 3

A survey of Islamic mysticism, its sources in the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad, and its literary, cultural, and social expressions in Arab, Persian, Indic, and Turkish regions, including an examination of representative texts and Sufi poetry; sainthood, authority, and brotherhoods; and Sufism in the contemporary world. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 420 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3

Principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. Focus on different perceptions, ways of thinking, values, non-verbal expression, language expression and subgroups within a culture as they relate to the media and the message. Note(s): See also COMM 472. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 425 - Spiritual Conflicts in Cross-Cultural Context Credits 3

The study of historical and contemporary worldview beliefs in the existence and activity of spiritual beings or forces. The course establishes for the cross-cultural worker biblical, theoretical, and practical guidelines in dealing with spirit beliefs and conflicts. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 427 - Spiritual Formation in Cross-cultural Context Credits 3

An examination of cross-cultural dynamics of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation, with particular attention to the impact of living and serving in distinctly non-Christian religious environments, and the rigors of living and serving internationally upon the inner-life of the believer. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 430 - Seminar: Topics in Intercultural Health Care Credits 3

Topics may include: Global Health Perspectives: Foundational concepts and principles of Christian healthcare ministries applied to the continuum of health care services; Global Health: Preparation for living overseas: healthy lifestyle, prevention of disease, mental and spiritual burnout, initial treatment where there is no doctor; Global Health Priorities: Preparation for serving organizations involved in planning and implementing health care systems at the district and village level. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 431 - History of the Middle East and Islam I Credits 3

Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization to 1453. Special emphasis on relationships of Muslims and non-Muslim peoples under Islamic rule. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 432 - History of the Middle East and Islam II Credits 3

Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization from 1453. Special emphasis on the development of the Middle Eastern state system following the First World War, and on the Arab- Israeli conflict. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 433 - Community Development Models and Strategies Credits 3

Exposure to various models for engagement in development projects and practice, assessment of participatory learning and action approaches, examination of the role of expatriates in community development, analysis of the complexities of community participation, exploration of the role of transformational development practitioners in sustainable economic development and community organizing. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INCS 345.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 434 - Islam in America and the West Credits 3

This course examines the historical background, dynamics and growth of Islam in America and the West, with special attention to theological, social, political, and cultural issues raised by Muslims living in Western society; immigration; conversion to Islam; African-American Islam; radical Islam; the rise of Islamic leadership and institutions (mosques, schools, and associations); roles for Muslim women; and resources and approaches to reaching Muslim neighbors. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 435 - Project Evaluation and Assessment Credits 3

Examination of the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation/assessment of a development project. Special emphasis on project funding and support, project supervision, project partnership issues, governmental and non-governmental relationships, and participatory evaluation methods. Students will gain practical/hands-on experience through evaluating a local development project. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INCS 345.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 440 - The Local Church and World Missions Credits 3

Designed to integrate principles of cross-cultural communication and theology and strategy of missions within a total conceptual framework to aid the local church in mission involvement, including approaches to mission education, mobilization, organization, and leadership; disciple making, prayer, and member care; partnerships, church-based teams, and responding to contemporary global issues. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 444 - History of the Expansion of Christianity Credits 3

The historical development and spread of the Christian faith from the apostolic period until today. Emphasis is given to the modern era, especially growth dynamics in the Global South (non-Western world). Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 445 - New Religious Movements Credits 3

Examines the role of religion and belief systems as they affect the appearance and direction of a variety of revitalization movements found in Africa, North America, Brazil, Asia and the Pacific. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 447 - Approaches to the Islamic World Credits 3

Exploration of historical and contemporary approaches to Muslim peoples, including an analysis of effective interactions and Muslim perceptions, and individual and organizational approaches like evangelism, apologetics, interfaith dialogue, evangelism, apologetics, education, development and compassion ministries, reconciliation, peace-building and the planting of transformational communities. This course will equip students with an understanding of the basic competencies needed to live and serve effectively among Muslim peoples in the name and spirit of Jesus. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 448 - Topics in Islamic Studies Credits 1-3

Studies in selected issues pertaining to Islam, such as Islamic Theology; The Qur'an and Muslim Tradition; The Life of Muhammad; Muslim-Christian Relations; Islam in the 21st Century; Islam and State; The Anthropology of Islam. Conflict and Change in Islamic World or an in-depth study of a particular aspect of Islamic thought, practice or history. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 449 - Topics in Ministry to Internationals and Immigrants Credits 3

Studies in selected issues pertaining to effective ministry among international sojourners in North America due to economic migration, forced resettlement, political service, academic pursuits, or professional advancement. Topics may include sojourner adjustment; transnational identity; ethnicity and ethnic conflict; diaspora missiology; or studies focusing on immigrants, international students, church- and campus-based strategies, and ministry without borders. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 450 - Theology of Mission Credits 3

A study of the centrality of God's redemptive acts on behalf of mankind from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as theological issues related to the mission of the Church in modern times. Note(s): See BBST 458. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BBST 251 and BBST 354, or BBST 260; BBST 365.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 451 - Evangelism & Discipleship Credits 3

This course examines the biblical, theological, historical, and cultural issues of effective evangelism, exploring how to lead people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Emphasis is given to understanding models and strategies, contextual and cultural sensitivity, models of discipleship, strategies for church outreach, and personal spiritual preparation for witness and discipleship to help the student demonstrate knowledge and the ability to practice evangelism. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 453 - Christianity and Culture Credits 3

Anthropological approach to Christian theologizing; interrelationships between supracultural Christianity and human cultures. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 456 - World Religions and Pluralism Credits 3

The distinctive features of the historical ethnic religions, with special emphasis on their comparison and encounter with Christianity and their bearings upon missionary strategies. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 457 - Urban Research Credits 3

The use of social science research techniques to learn about the people, needs and opportunities for living, working, and serving in the city. Special attention is given to researching people groups and the adaptations they make to urban contexts. Note(s): Course is usually offered in Los Angeles in the fall semester and frequently in New York City as a Summer Study Tour; see Program Director for details. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 458 - Traditional Cultures Credits 3

Analysis of the cultural institutions and values in tribal, peasant and newly emerging economies, with special consideration as to their openness or resistance to change. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 459 - Urban Transformation Credits 3

Explores the literature and contemporary case studies of urban social changes and urban change agents. Attention is given to the analysis of social and spiritual transformation through the creation of committed communities including urban churches. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 465 - Integration Seminar: Gospel and Culture Credits 3

This capstone course equips students to explore diverse issues in the contemporary world, such as social justice and contextual theologies, from a biblical, cultural, and missiological perspective. The presentation of a major paper is used to demonstrate integrative skills. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be a Major in Intercultural Studies (INCS); and Undergraduate Level.

INCS 468 - Women in Cross-Cultural Ministry Credits 3

The dynamics of women in missions and cross-cultural ministry; historical, social, cultural, psychological, physical, and spiritual issues. Special focus on challenges and opportunities in the contemporary world. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 471 - Introduction to Bible Translation Credits 3

An introduction to the principles and problems of cross-language and cross-cultural communication with the special emphasis on translating the Bible into indigenous languages. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): INAL 300 or INCS 310 or ENGL 351, and INAL 403 or INAL 405.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 473 - Practicum Seminar Credits 1-3

Structured experience with a specific class related topic. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content; topic selection and course enrollment by advisor's approval. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 474 - Practicum Seminar Credits 1-3

Structured experience with a specific class related topic. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content; topic selection and course enrollment by advisor's approval. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 480 - Directed Research Credits 1-3

Directed reading, individual work, in-depth investigation of a topic under the guidance of the faculty using standard research procedures. Note(s): Topic selection and course enrollment by advisor's approval. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

INCS 485 - Topics in Intercultural Studies Credits 1-3

Studies in selected issues that arise from or require an international perspective such as minority rights, ethno-art, ethnomusicology, folklore and folklife, contextualization, economics and development. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

INCS 490 - Practical Mission Training Credits 1-6

Topics in missionary preparation. Note(s): Also available for CPLE. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.