ANT5000EN - Theories and Issues in Development Anthropology

Course description

Analysis of anthropological theories and practice of development. Attention to social, cultural and economic dimensions of development and change; anthropologists as researchers, practitioners, and critics of local and global processes of development; the third world and the global system; aid business; the World Bank; IMF; bilateral and multilateral development agencies; and missionaries and faith-based development agencies.

How this course benefits students

The course equips learners with skills for community development. It helps them understand and address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in culturally appropriate ways in a variety of contexts. The skills and approaches from this course prepares students for job opportunities in missional tasks and secular roles.

Why this course is important

Addressing physical and spiritual needs of the poor in a culturally appropriate way is at the center of missional work. This course equips missional leaders with the skills and techniques that enable them to reach people and serve spiritual and physical needs.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Anthropology
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Boyd Johnson, Senior Professor of Missional Anthropology

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

This course is designed based on the understanding of John 6:1-14, that addressing the spiritual and physical needs of people was part of the ministry of Jesus.

Missionally driven

The course equips missional leaders with tools and techniques to reach people in Christ through holistic development.

Contextually informed

The course examines the principles and practices of holistic development in the contexts of the peoples with diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic backgrounds.

Interculturally focused

The theories and dimensions of development are examined cross-culturally. The course examines case studies on practices of development works from diverse cultural contexts.

Practically minded

Beyond learning theories and principles, students are exposed to practical works and case studies of development projects. The course provides tools and techniques that enable learners to change their knowledge into practice.

Experientially transformed

As a part of course requirements, learners observe development activities in their community and gain experiences. They learn the arts and techniques of designing and implementing culturally appropriate development projects.