2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
Practical Theology – D.Min. Modules
Urban Mission Track
Module PU 1 Mission Strategies/Globalization
Purpose:
• To learn what globalization is and how
it affects virtually all contexts
• To understand the connection between urbanization and
globalization as interlocking forces affecting life circumstances
• To be able to strategize as to how best to reach
the people in the student’s ministry context
with the transforming power of Christ
(Not given in 2009-2010.)
Module PU 2 Contextual Theology
Purpose:
• To sketch the history and recent developments
revolving around contextualization
• To outline issues involved in contextualization and
sample current responses to these issues
• To provide the student with opportunities to
test his or her theories by sample attempts
at the contextualization of theology
• To critique current attempts at contextual theology
in order to highlight strengths and weaknesses and
determine challenges to the student’s own growth
questionnaires, and field research techniques
with a view to using them for urban ministry
• To be able and motivated to interpret demographic realities
to fellow Christians so that the churches where the
students attend and minister may be moved to action
(Not given in 2009-2010.)
Module PU 4 Mission Anthropology
Purpose:
• To acquaint students with anthropological
concepts, particularly culture and worldview
• To expose students to anthropological
methodology, particularly participant observation
and ethnographic interviewing
• To challenge students in their understanding of
themselves and others as culturally-formed beings
• To teach students the proper method of cross-cultural analysis
• To guide students into learning when to use the etic and
when to use the emic perspective in studying culture
Module PU 3 Community Analysis/Demographics
Purpose:
• To understand the major factors involved in urbanization in the
developing countries and ethnicization of North American cities
• To develop an in-depth knowledge of one particular
community, including its place in the various political,
economic, educational, and health, etc., systems in which
it is a part and the nature of the people living there
• To analyze the demographic information from the
standpoint of Christian evangelism and the church, and
begin to integrate this information into mission strategy
• To become adept in handling surveys,
2009–2010
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