An examination of the phenomenon of increasing global migration of people from both internal and external perspectives. The student will explore a theological understanding of how God has worked toward, with and through people in diaspora in their biblical and historical contexts. Application will be made to contemporary immigration, refugee, and justice issues.

What does it mean to be a spiritual caregiver? How does one provide spiritual care in a world increasingly resistant to organized religion and institutional structures? This course engages what it means to be an instrument of Christ in a world with increasing meaninglessness and hopelessness. In this course, students will examine the biblical foundations of spiritual caregiving, the interpersonal development of spiritual caregivers, and the capacity of spiritual caregiving to generate personal and societal transformation. This foundational course prepares spiritual caregivers to go on towards a caregiving specialty.

Focus on issues such as the nexus between forced and voluntary migration, the Mediterranean refugee crisis, transition from relief to development, internally displaced populations, refugees/displaced persons, immigration patterns, refugee protection, and national security issues. Particular attention to creating contextually-appropriate missional responses for various refugee and voluntary migration scenarios.

Exploration of challenges facing today's diaspora sojourners: How adaptation and entry occur, and how the diasporic self influences and guides in integrating identity formation and acculturation to a local context. Using case studies, interviews, group discussions, multi-media, and research assignments on biblical and secular diasporas, the student will gain knowledge and insight on how to practically interact with diaspora peoples.

This course presents the knowledge, awareness, and skills to support necessary to be a culturally competent social worker. Issues presented will involve: multidimensional aspects of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and different abilities as well as other multicultural issues in interventions with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

Exploration of factors underlying migration of peoples throughout the world and the implications for providing services to migrant communities. It focuses on the impact of immigration on families and children in immigrant communities. Upon completion, student will develop an awareness and respect for immigrant family issues and establish skills in the field of practice with immigrants.

An introduction to topics in mental & physical health for immigrant and migratory populations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the contextual factors and epidemiologic issues of displaced persons. Students will develop an integrated approach to address the mental and physical health of immigrant communities.

An analysis of emerging issues of migration, social and psychological locations, acculturation and its impact on social work practice. Students will learn about potential problems facing immigrants and refugees as they seek to rebuild their lives. Students will learn to recognize their strengths, cultural resources and natural support systems.