ANT3000EN - Anthropology of Development

Course description

Examination of theories, concepts, and dimensions of development and underdevelopment from an anthropological perspective. Attention to concepts of poverty and inequality; the history of theories of development, social, cultural and economic dimensions of development/underdevelopment; the third world and the global system; and integration of development and missional works.

How this course benefits students

The course equips learners with skills for community development. It will help 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 will prepare MU’s graduates for the 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 reach people and serve spiritual and physical needs.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Anthropology
Educational level
Bachelor
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 understanding of John 6:1-14 hat addressing 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 will be 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 will be exposed to practical works and case studies of development projects. The course will provide tools and techniques that enables learners to change their knowledge into practice.

Experientially transformed

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