Provide a broad introduction to urbanism from a historical, geographical, and sociological perspective, focusing on design, environment impact, and the social and economic actions that have produced urban areas. Particular attention placed on claiming cities for Christ and the need to address urban concerns.
According to Cities and Urban Life, cities will continue to grow around the world and more particularly, in Africa and Asia. Students need to be served by being provided with the knowledge and skills to provide missional work around the world.
Urban Studies will continue to be important as a majority of individuals will continue living in such areas and/or building and relocating to urban areas around the world. Knowledge of urban studies is a great opportunity to join God where He is working and with the hope and freedom that can be found in Him. We have the opportunity to join Him in His mission.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview. We will specifically focus on Jeremiah 29:7 ESV “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Our goal is to see how God can and is working in urban areas around the world and how this allows us the opportunity to join Him in that work. It is a mission that He has provided for us.
Although cities are not new to the world scene, quite recent in world history is urbanization—the movement of masses of people to cities, which then have a growing influence on society.” Sociology: a down-to-earth approach (Henslin:2014).” Henslin indicated that in 1800, only 3 percent of the world’s population lived in cities but in 2008, for the first time in history, more people lived in cities than in rural areas.
Urban Studies gives everyone of us the opportunity to reach people residing or wishing to reside in urban areas with the hope found in Jesus Christ. This course gives students the opportunity to see how this can work around the world.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they need to create and make a difference in their respective communities.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them and live them out in their lives. Students will take what they have learned and apply that learning to their specific environment.
