Intercultural Studies, B.A.

As of November 10, 2023, this degree is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

Mission

The mission of the Undergraduate Program in Intercultural Studies is to prepare students who can comprehensively understand the diverse context(s) in which they may serve, contribute to the well-being of those with whom they interact, and make disciples of Jesus Christ among all people.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. The Intercultural Studies major requires the completion of 36 program credits of which 24 must be upper-division.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an integrated, multidisciplinary understanding of the complexity of elements important to members of another culture in relation to its cultural frameworks (e.g., history, values, politics, communication styles, economy, or beliefs and practices) (ULO 1).
  2. Address significant global problems from a biblical perspective by assessing the complexity of elements important to members of another culture, including their own and others’ cultural frameworks, while skillfully approaching differences using culturally appropriate communication and solutions (ULO 1, 3).
  3. ​​Honor the critical importance of the mandate to make disciples of all nations by applying interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and perspectives to address complex challenges at the intersection of text (Scripture) and context (culture) and evaluate the local and broader consequences of individual and collective efforts and interventions (ULO 2, 3).
  4. Articulate and develop an understanding of the importance of growing, and demonstrate maturity in their ongoing formation in Christ, recognizing that the foundation of a lifetime of faithful intercultural service commences internally within the heart, grounding one’s character, identity, and motivations in the person of Christ (ULO 2).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Field Internship

Every Intercultural Studies major must complete an approved field internship experience, which requires the application of skills studied in the classroom in a cross-cultural environment, usually in a foreign country. Students are encouraged to fulfill this requirement in the summer following the junior year or alternatively in the summer following their senior year. In the case of those choosing to complete their internship following their senior year, INCS 354 will be offered as a summer online class following their internship experience.

Curriculum Requirements

Intercultural Studies

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Students must complete the standard Core Curriculum requirements with specific courses fulfilling certain Core areas as noted below. If students have not completed their Core Science requirement prior to entering the program, it is strongly recommended they take ANTH 222.
Cultural Anthropology
Theology of Mission 1
Integration Seminar (taken as "Gospel and Culture") 1
Program Courses
INCS 231Intercultural Competence & Diversity in the Global Workplace3
INCS 233Introduction to World Missions3
INCS 322Intercultural Adjustment3
INCS 331Ethnicity and Diversity in America3
INCS 349Community-Based Research3
INCS 352Field Internship1
INCS 354Field Internship2
INCS 420Intercultural Communication3
INCS 451Evangelism & Discipleship3
INCS 456World Religions and Pluralism3
Select 6 credits of electives 2, 36
Program Course Requirements: 33 credits
Select a 9-credit concentration from the list below 29
Core Curriculum Requirements 474
General Electives4
Total Credits120
1

Students in the Torrey Honors College or who have already taken 30 credits of Bible may need to take INCS 450 (Theology of Mission) and/or INCS 465 (Integration Seminar: Gospel and Culture) instead of their BBST equivalents, and in those cases the number of INCS credits required may increase to 45 or 48 since the 42 INCS required program credits do not include these two BBST/INCS courses.

2

All INCS students must complete at least one 9-credit concentration and take a minimum of six elective credits. Students who decide to move from a concentration to a minor hosted by the INCS department will not be required to declare a concentration (and will also be exempted from taking six additional credits of INCS/ANTH electives). If a student's concentration is INDS, INTE, or INCL, they must choose INCS electives. The other INCS concentrations may choose electives in INCS, INTE, or ANTH. 

3

One concentration and one secondary emphasis (different from the selected concentration) may be taken using the 9-credit concentration requirement and the 6-credit elective requirement. As detailed below, emphases are available in Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology; International and Community Development; Missions; and Peace and Justice. 

  • The Department of Undergraduate Intercultural Studies issues a digital badge in recognition of the achievements of students from outside the INCS major and minors who complete coursework equivalent to an emphasis with a "C+" or higher in both specified courses. Please contact the department for details. 
  • A digital badge in “Intercultural Competence” may be issued upon request to students from outside the INCS major and minors for completion of INCS 231 and INCS 420 with a "C+" or higher in both courses. Please contact the department for details. 
4

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Concentrations

Applied Linguistics and Bible Translation

As of Spring 2020, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

INAL 301General Articulatory Phonetics3
General Linguistics 1
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Linguistic Anthropology
Introduction to Phonology
Introduction to Syntax
Introduction to Literacy
Introduction to Sociolinguistics
Field Methods in Linguistics 2
Introduction to Bible Translation 2
Field Methods in Second Language and Culture Learning
Total Credits9
1

 Use as an INCS elective.

2

 Some courses may require additional prerequisites. Students should use their additional INCS electives for them.

Church Planting and Pioneer Missions

As of Spring 2021, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

INCS 410Frontier Missiology3
INCS 451Evangelism & Discipleship3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Principles of Church Multiplication
Church Planting Models and Strategies
Spiritual Conflicts in Cross-Cultural Context
Traditional Cultures
Topics in Intercultural Studies (taken as Holy Spirit and Missions)
Total Credits9

Cross-Cultural Healthcare

INCS 345Introduction to Development3
INCS 430Seminar: Topics in Intercultural Health Care (Global Health Perspectives)3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Seminar: Topics in Intercultural Health Care (Global Health: Preparation for Living Overseas)
Seminar: Topics in Intercultural Health Care (Global Health Priorities)
Seminar: Topics in Intercultural Health Care (Global Health Communication)
Total Credits9

Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology

ANTH 310Linguistic Anthropology3
ANTH 403Economic Anthropology3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Magic, Witchcraft and Religion
Colonization, Decolonization, & Postcolonialism
Topics in Anthropology
Total Credits9

International and Community Development

INCS 345Introduction to Development3
INCS 433Community Development Models and Strategies3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Micro Issues in Relief and Development
Project Evaluation and Assessment
Total Credits9

Islamic Studies

As of Spring 2021, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

INCS 324Understanding Islam and Islamic Theology3
INCS 325Popular and Folk Islam3
INCS 447Approaches to the Islamic World3
Total Credits9

Missiology

INCS 371Profiles in Missionary Lives3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
World Christianity
History of the Expansion of Christianity
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Understanding Islam and Islamic Theology
Short-Term Mission Leadership
The Local Church and World Missions
Topics in Intercultural Studies 1
Total Credits9
1

Missiological topics only, with prior approval of the Missiology Concentration Coordinator; must be taken for 3 credits to meet the Concentration requirement.

Peace and Justice

ANTH 342Peace and Justice Advocacy3
ANTH 415Violence and Mediation3
ANTH 470Topics in Peace and Justice3
Total Credits9

TESOL

INTE 429English Language Teaching Methods3
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Grammar for English Teachers
Materials Evaluation and Preparation
Ethics, Values, and Intercultural Communication for TESOL Professionals
Practicum in TESOL I 1
Total Credits9
1

If students complete all the TESOL courses in this concentration AND INCS 310 (General Linguistics), they can earn a University-issued TESOL Certificate.

Urban Ministry

As of Spring 2021, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

INCS 375Understanding the City3
INCS 459Urban Transformation3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Urban Ministry Models
Urban Research
Total Credits9

Interdisciplinary

A personalized interdisciplinary program may be designed by the student and the student’s advisor. Popular fields include: Business and Entrepreneurship, Family Studies, Intercultural Journalism, and Psychology, among others. 

Select one field from the following:

Business and Entrepreneurship1

Due to the popularity of the Business program, automatic priority is given to Business majors. 

BUSN 240Principles of Management3
BUSN 364Entrepreneurship and New Venture Formation3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Principles of Accounting I
Entrepreneurship Practicum
Total Credits9
1

A Minor in Entrepreneurship is available with the completion of additional coursework. Please contact the Crowell School of Business for further details.

Early Childhood Education1

PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology3
LEDU 335Child Development: Birth through Adolescence3
LEDU 355Introduction to Early Childhood Education3
Total Credits9
1

The following Early Childhood courses can be linked to Child Development Permits. Please contact the School of Education academic advisors for further information on CTC Child Development permits.

Family Studies

PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology3
SOCI 320Marriage and the Family3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Cross-Cultural/Ethnic Issues in Psychology
Psychology of Marriage and Family (Psychology of Marriage and Family)
Current Topics in Psychology (Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood or Culture and Development)
Sociology of Gender
Sociology of Sexuality
Total Credits9

Intercultural Journalism1

JOUR 105Foundations of Journalism3
JOUR 107Introduction to Digital Skills for Media3
JOUR 125Foundational Media Skills: Photography3
Total Credits9
1

University policy requires that each major consist of a minimum of 24 upper-division credits. To satisfy this requirement, students in the Interdisciplinary - Intercultural Journalism concentration must take at least 3 upper-division INCS elective credits as part of their 6-credit elective requirement.

Psychology

PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology3
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Introduction to Psychopathology
Cross-Cultural/Ethnic Issues in Psychology
Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
Seminar in Therapeutic Techniques
Total Credits9

Interdisciplinary Education

As of Fall 2023, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Introduction to Psychology (Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education require this course; fulfills Core Curriculum Behavioral Science requirement)
Elementary or Secondary Concentration Courses 1
LEDU 301Introduction to Teaching3
LEDU 330Psychological Foundations of Education3
LEDU 341Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students3
Total Credits9
1

These are the first three courses in the credential program. See the School of Education for details. Additional items may be required for this coursework, such as TB tests, fingerprinting, and Certificates of Clearance.

Emphasis Options1

Students may select one of the four emphases below which reflect a variety of options in the discipline: Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology; International and Community Development; Missions; or Peace and Justice.

1

The Department of Undergraduate Intercultural Studies issues a digital badge in recognition of the achievements of students from outside the INCS major and minors who complete coursework equivalent to an emphasis with a "C+" or higher in both specified courses. A digital badge in “Intercultural Competence” may be issued upon request to students from outside the INCS major and minors for completion of INCS 231 and INCS 420 with a "C+" or higher in both courses. Please contact the department for details. 

Cultural and linguistic Anthropology

The Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology emphasis introduces students to a holistic understanding of the diversity of human behavior across time, geography, and culture from a distinctly Christian perspective and provides tools for them to begin actively bridging cultural differences so that they can more effectively share the good news of the Gospel and holistically address human problems.

ANTH 310Linguistic Anthropology3
Select one of the following:3
Magic, Witchcraft and Religion
Colonization, Decolonization, & Postcolonialism
Topics in Anthropology
Economic Anthropology
Total Credits6
1

Students are strongly encouraged to take ANTH 200 before any additional ANTH course.

International and Community Development 

This emphasis is comprised of two courses that focus on various theories in development as well as multiple issues, including participation, empowerment, and asset-based community development needed to engage in effective development practice. Both courses will examine in depth transformational and Christian development approaches as well as conventional secular development approaches in order to familiarize students with both sets of approaches. 

INCS 345Introduction to Development3
INCS 433Community Development Models and Strategies3
Total Credits6
Missions 

The Missions emphasis equips students to reflect on the historical, theological, cultural, and strategic realities that impact cross-cultural witness and service. 

INCS 371Profiles in Missionary Lives3
Select one of the following:3
World Christianity
The Local Church and World Missions
History of the Expansion of Christianity
Total Credits6
Peace AND JUSTICE

The Peace and Justice Emphasis provides students with the biblical foundation, academic knowledge, and practical skills to address various forms of conflict on a communal, national, and international level.

ANTH 342Peace and Justice Advocacy 13
ANTH 415Violence and Mediation3
Total Credits6
1

Students are encouraged to take ANTH 342 before ANTH 415.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Intercultural Studies, B.A. Intercultural Studies (INCS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123INCS 231 or 2333
GNST 1021KNES 1071
HIST 100 or 1013Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
INCS 231 or 2333Science (see Core Curriculum, ANTH 222 recommended)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 14
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513INCS 3313
ANTH 200 (fulfills Core Curriculum Behavioral Science requirement)3INCS 4203
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
INCS 4563Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 15
Total Credits 30
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3543BBST 3653
INCS 3223ENGL 3133
INCS Elective 3INCS 3493
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1INCS 3521
General Elective4Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirementMath (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 14 16
Total Credits 30
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 45813BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
INCS 3542BBST 465 (Gospel & Culture - required)23
INCS 4513Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
INCS Elective3Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
Concentration Elective (upper-division)3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 14 15
Total Credits 29
1

BBST 458 will count as a Bible elective. If INCS 450 is taken, it will count as an INCS upper-division elective and will not count as a BBST elective.

2

BBST 465 will count as a Bible elective. If INCS 465 is taken, it will count as an INCS upper-division elective and will not count as a BBST elective. 

Intercultural Studies, B.A. Interdisciplinary (INDS) 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123INCS 231 or 2333
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4KNES 1071
GNST 1021Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
HIST 100 or 1013Science (see Core Curriculum, ANTH 222 recommended)3
INCS 231 or 2333 
 17 14
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513INCS 3313
ANTH 200 (fulfills Core Curriculum Behavioral Science requirement)3INCS 4203
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
INCS 4563Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 15
Total Credits 30
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3543BBST 3653
INCS 3223ENGL 3133
INCS 3493INCS 3521
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
General Elective 4Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirmentMath (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 14 16
Total Credits 30
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 45813BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
INCS 3542BBST 465 (Gospel & Culture - required)23
INCS 4513INCS Elective3
Concentration Elective (upper-division)3Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
INCS Elective 3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 14 15
Total Credits 29
1

BBST 458 will count as a Bible elective. If INCS 450 is taken, it will count as an INCS upper-division elective and will not count as a BBST elective.

2

BBST 465 will count as a Bible elective. If INCS 465 is taken, it will count as an INCS upper-division elective, and will not count as a BBST elective.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Intercultural Studies, B.A. Intercultural Studies (INCS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021ANTH 200 (fulfills Core Curriculum Behavioral Science requirement)3
INCS 231 or 2333KNES 1071
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
ANTH 2223INCS 3313
INCS 231 or 2333INCS 4203
INCS Elective3 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
INCS 3223ENGL 3133
INCS 4563INCS 3493
INCS Elective3INCS 3521
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4583HNRS 4672
INCS 3542BBST 4653
Concentration Elective (upper-division)3INCS 4513
Concentration Elective (upper-division)3Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
 15 15
Total Credits 125

Intercultural Studies, B.A. Interdisciplinary (INDS)  

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021ANTH 200 (fulfills Core Curriculum Behavioral Science requirement)3
INCS 231 or 2333KNES 1071
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
ANTH 2223INCS 231 or 2333
INCS Elective3INCS 4203
Math (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
INCS 3223ENGL 3133
INCS 3493INCS 3313
INCS Elective3INCS 3521
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4583HNRS 4672
INCS 3542BBST 4653
INCS 4563INCS 4513
Concentration Elective (upper-division)3Concentration Elective (upper-division)3
 15 15
Total Credits 125