Analyzes how God has spoken to and through mankind through word, deed, nature, and natural objects. Comparing and contrasting the Biblical evidence, historical examples, communication theory, and missiological concerns, the student will develop both a theology and strategies for communicating the Good News in a variety of contexts.

An exploration of the process and dynamics of intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on modifying stereotypes, active listening, and understanding cultural differences.

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.

The course delves further into the process of human communication from the point of view of effectively bringing the message of the Logos meaningfully and clearly into the wide-range of often very different human contexts. The Christian witness moves into the communication process recognizing the presence of both objective and subjective realities. This class also looks into the biblical and philosophical questions surrounding the various assumptions that the communicator brings into the communication process, encouraging critical thinking over the matter of the nature of the Christian message of the Gospel.

This course provides the basis for understanding potential problems of intercultural communication that arise in interactions between people from different cultures. As Samovar notes, complex nature of human behavior produces many communication problems-perhaps more than the problems addressed in this course. It is for this reason that we will explore how diverse cultural orientations influence the way we perceive and interact with an increasingly culturally diverse world. The overall purpose of this class is to understand causes of intercultural conflicts in different communication settings (interpersonal, small group, school, workplace and global) and how to manage them effectively.

This course examines various ethical approaches to communicating. Additionally students will learn to distinguish between communication patterns that are “unethical” and ones that are simply understood and applied differently in differing cultural contexts. Finally, students will learn to navigate between and within these varied contexts.