EM009-712 - Cultural Anthropology

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • evangelism missiolUnit Discipline

Corequisites

96cps of study, including 36 cps at AQF level 6

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM409.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of cultural anthropology and its implications for cross cultural ministry.

B. Be able to

1. Discuss the role of cultural anthropology in cross cultural ministry

2. Demonstrate skill in using ethnography as a methodology for learning about a cultural context

3. Present Critical evidence-based perspectives on cultural anthropology

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Cultural Anthropology’ to cross cultural ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

  1. The nature of anthropology, its presuppositions and the concept of culture.
  2. People, culture and society: world views; verbal and non-verbal communication; life cycles and education; kinship, marriage and family; technology and the economy; art and music; political and community leadership; magic, science and religion.
  3. Cultural stability, innovation and change; form, function and meaning.
  4. Anthropological research and field methods.

Section B: Anthropology for Cross-cultural Ministry

  1. Anthropology and the Bible: examples of the structures studied in Section A.
  2. Cultural and anthropological factors that influence church planting and development.
  3. Missionary/national relationships and leadership development in anthropological perspective.
  4. Students undertake an anthropological case study in cross-cultural ministry.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Burnett, D., Clash of Worlds (London: Monarch, 2002).

Hiebert, P. G., Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994).

Hiebert, P. G., The Gospel and Human Contexts. Anthropological Explorations for Contemporary Missions (Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Academic, 2009).

Hiebert, P. G., Transforming Worldviews. An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008).

Howell, B. M. & J. Williams, Introducing Cultural Anthropology. A Christian Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011).

Kraft, C. H., Anthropology for Christian Witness (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1997).

Kraft, C. H., Worldview for Christian Witness (Pasadena, CA: William Carey, 2008).

Lingenfelter, S., Agents of Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross-cultural Ministry (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996).

Lingenfelter, S., Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Missions (2nd ed.; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1990).

Park, M. A., Introducing Anthropology: An Integrated Approach (2nd ed.; Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill, 2002).

 

Recommended:

Hiebert, P. G., Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994).

Hofstede, G. H. and G. J. Hofstede, Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (2nd ed.; Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill, 2005).

Sweet, L. (ed.), The Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives. (El Cajon, CA: EmergentYS, 2003).