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Intercultural Studies Curriculum

The ICS Department presents students with curricular programs designed so that:

  • Students will learn to understand and love God, others, and themselves.
  • Students will gain a broader understanding of the world, becoming successful language and culture learners through integrating theory and real world experience in intercultural settings.
  • Students will gain a biblical, theological, historical, strategic, and practical understanding of world missions, developing the ability to share the Good News, disciple, and mentor others.
  • Students will become skilled communicators in their own culture and be able to effectively live, research, and communicate across cultures

Majors

The ICS Department offers two majors (Intercultural Studies & Urban Studies), and eight tracks (World Missions, International Development, Islamic Studies, TEFL, Modern Languages, Bible Translation, Urban Development, and Urban Ministry). These programs of study engage students in one or more of the four AGWM ministry strategies: reach, train, plant, touch.

Intercultural Studies and Languages

Urban Studies

Minors

The following specialized ICS minors allow students to gain in-depth international experience as they study off-campus for one semester: Asian Studies (18 cr.), Modern European Studies (18 cr.), Islamic Studies (18 cr.), Latin American Studies (18 cr.), International Development (19 cr.), and Spanish (20 cr.).

Tracks in the Intercultural Studies Major

There are six (6) tracks of specialization within the Intercultural Studies major:

  • Bible Translation Track

    This track is designed to groom students for future ministry in Bible translation. The Bible has yet to be translated into thousands of languages. Students who have an interest in learning languages and a love for the Scriptures may find this a discipline ripe with amazing potential for fruitful ministry.

 

  • International Development Track

    The International Development Track offers students an opportunity to prepare for overseas service in other than the traditional role. This track prepares the student for ministry through humanitarian endeavors, especially among the poor and oppressed. This track specifically addresses contemporary issues of injustice such as: HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, poverty and children & youth in crises.

 

  • Islamic Studies Track

    This track prepares students to minister in a Middle Eastern culture sphere. There is a huge need for individuals to serve among people groups and cultures of the Middle East. North Central University has a rich tradition of preparing missionaries for service in these areas, and this track is specifically designed to engage culture and language in such a way as to enhance the spread of the Gospel among Muslim peoples.

 

  • Modern Languages Track

    This track prepares students for cross cultural ministry by developing skills in a foreign language. The ICSL Department has targeted three strategic languages in which to offer instruction: Spanish, Mandarin (Chinese), and Arabic.

 

  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Track

    In many regions of the world, especially in the less evangelized regions, missionaries generally cannot gain entrance. However, the world-wide demand for English has created a market for those who wish to minister by teaching English. This program is designed for an individual who wants to teach overseas. It does not prepare an individual to teach in the public school system of the United States.

 

  • World Missions Track
    The World Missions track provides preparation for the traditional missionary career path through Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) including pursuing a license to preach in the A/G.

 

Tracks in the Urban Studies Major

There are two (2) tracks of specialization within the Urban Studies major:

  • Urban Development
    The Urban Development track seeks to lift the relief and development burden from the shoulders of the generalist pastor and place it upon an individual specifically trained to lead these types of ministries. This track will equip the students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to develop and lead Not for Profit (NFP) and For Profit (FP) relief and development ministries in World Class Cities.

 

  • Urban Ministry
    The Urban Ministry track prepares the student for traditional church-based forms of service such as leading a congregation in a pastoral role. The student who completes this track will attain the academic requirements to pursue a License to Preach in the Assemblies of God.