Examines the Biblical and cultural basis for storytelling as an effective gospel communication method. The student will analyze Old and New Testament examples, will explore differences in oral cultures, and will develop a theological basis for storytelling a contextualized missional strategy.

An advanced evaluation of major theories and research approaches in the field with particular attention to a critical assessment of the role of culture in contemporary communication in various cultures. The course readings, assignments and class discussions intend to prepare the student for evaluating the nexis of communication forms, cultural studies and intercultural communication approaches.

An analysis of the varied histories of world drama and theater as an art form, as a profession, as a social event, and as an agent of cultural definition through the ages and in the present. Students evaluate select theatrical cultures and performance practices in global cultural history.

A tour through models of dramatic structure in Western and non-Western contexts, from the Greeks through the present day, with discussion of their legacies and uses today. Theories of theater and performance are considered. Theoretical lenses from other disciplines are employed as treatises, manifestos, and theoretical texts are read against plays and other evidence of performance activity.

The course teaches a notation system for recording and analyzing human movement that enables students to analyse choreographic movement. Students gain experience in using a set of abstract symbols to define the direction and level of movement, part of the body doing the movement, duration of the movement, and dynamic quality of the movement as a means of comparative analysis of dramatic performance across cultures.

An introduction to the study of the drama forms and expressions of global cultures that analyzes these forms in light of their cultural worldview and how that worldview shapes the drama of that cultural setting. Creating a culturally relevant drama piece in a Christian context requires the creator to have an understanding of the culture, an understanding of the audience and an understanding of the Bible. From this base of understanding, script content can be formed. Once content has been determined, the drama can be created and performed. The performance is expressed through a variety of signal systems, each of which communicates a part of the drama’s intent. The response of the audience to the drama is a result of this process of analysis and presentation, as well as additional factors that affect response, such as the context of the performance, audience needs, existing beliefs and values (as conditioned by the culture), familiarity with the art form and perception of the players.