MS735.306 Cross-cultural Communication and Contextualisation
Unit Description
Pre-requisites
MS611.306 Cultural Anthropology
Co-requisites
None.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
Assess the appropriateness of basic cross-cultural communication and contextualisation theory to a range of contexts.
Apply cross-cultural communication and contextualisation theory to a mission or ministry context.
Examine and critically evaluate a model of contextual theology and identify a context for which it is most suited.
Plan a basic approach for communicating the gospel or contextualising theology in a given mission or ministry context.
Unit Description
The unit commences with an introduction to the biblical foundations of cross-cultural communication and contextualisation. The theoretical underpinnings of the basic approaches of communication theory are explored. Emphasis is given to culture as the context in which communication takes place. Models of communication are outlined and analysed. Particular attention is given to the three-culture model, Christ and culture model, and incarnational models. The student develops skills in applying the theory to specific situations.
The role of language in the process of communication and Bible translation is examined. Particular emphasis is given to the difference between translation and paraphrase, and the difficulties associated with the translation process.
The issue of conversion in context is also studied from both a theoretical and case study perspective. The questions of the communication of the gospel in various mission contexts are examined. Issues of indigenisation, contextualisation in relation to the growth of the church and the development of its structures are considered.
Approaches to contextualisation are considered with attention given to the place of hermeneutical principles, the limits and the place of worldview in the contextualisation process. Theoretical models of contextual theology are explored from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The skills that are required in evaluating the usefulness of various models of contextual theology are identified.
At the conclusion of the unit, the student is expected to be able to assess and choose the basic strategies required for communicating the Christian message in a variety of cultural contexts.
Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies include: lectures; tutorials; research; case studies; class discussion and debates; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP, DVD, video and audio tape. Students also learn by personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work and online interaction.
Unit offerings
Online: (Every Year, Semester 2)Please note
The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.
This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.