IS1309 Foundations of Scripture (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

A survey of the contents of Christian Scripture with special attention to the nature of progressive revelation. Students will learn to read the Bible with attention to patterns, prophecy, fulfillment, inner-biblical interpretation, and an overarching historical framework.

IS1312 History of Christianity (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an overview of the entire sweep of Christian history. Pivotal events will be discussed in detail, and we will attempt to discern how those events are relevant to present-day world Christianity, both in terms of their effect on the present, and how they can inform a Christian interpretation of our times. Some turning points in the history of cross-cultural missions will be included.

IS1321 Introduction to Ethnopsychology (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

At our core, do all individuals think, feel, and behave in the same ways? How do psychology and culture interact? In this course, we will look at several major concepts in traditional psychology and consider the extent to which they may apply across cultures.

IS1341 Introduction to Writing (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to the mechanics of writing clear and coherent essays and presenting them orally. Special attention is given to the process of planning, writing, and revising. Students read a variety of texts from different genres in order to expose them to the rich possibilities of English prose.

IS1350 Dynamics of Religious Experience (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

An introductory study into concepts of spiritual formation and the various ways people deepen their understanding of and relationship with the supernatural. Emphasis is given to approaches to a covenantal life, the nature and consequence of religious practices and rituals, and the motivations for a worldview integrating religious faith.

IS1361 Introduction to Statistics (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to statistics.  Mathematical concepts basic to an understanding of statistics will be reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics and their application to social sciences research will be introduced.

IS1363-IN Introduction to Health & First Aid Practices (MayExt - Even numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

There will be a 1-week INTENSIVE in the second half of May.

Everyone needs a basic understanding of normal human health and the processes of disease to be able to identify and react to emergent situations. This course gives students an overview of practical anatomy and physiology in the context of common disease processes. Students will be introduced to patient assessment skills, physical exam, first aid principles, and the sequence of an emergency response. At the conclusion of the course, students will be certified in CPR and First Aid (by EMS Safety).

Note: DIU tuition does not include a required fee estimated to be about $65 for the formal CPR training and certification. Students enrolling in this course will pay this separate fee when registering for this course.

IS2322 Psychology of Suffering and Resilience (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Grief and trauma are part of the human condition.  In this course, students will study the universal psychological impact of suffering and begin to develop their own personal theology of suffering.  They will also discuss the importance of resilience as a building block of successful cross-cultural service.

IS2323-IN Introduction to Coaching (MayExt) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is designed to equip you with tools for partnering with others in a thought-provoking process that will inspire them to maximize their potential. We will study the five coaching skills that are the core of training in the COACH Model^® and how these skills can be adapted for working cross-culturally.  In the process, we will examine the eight coaching competencies and the coaching ethics adopted by the International Coaching Federation.  Throughout the course, students will develop their coaching skills in authentic coaching conversations.  

IS2331 Introduction to Political and Economic Systems (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

Throughout history, societies have organized themselves into a variety of political and economic systems. Those who work cross-culturally may live and interact within a political or economic system different than one to which they are accustomed. This course introduces the student to basic political and economic ideas and systems, with the goal of equipping the student to understand them better and to operate more effectively within them.

IS2341 Logic, Critical Thinking and Rhetoric (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

Learning valid forms of arguments, standard fallacies, how to draw inferences, and how to arrange arguments are crucial skills for thinking critically and communicating effectively about any issue. This course will teach students how to think well, how to understand and critique arguments using the basic elements of logic, and how to arrange ideas effectively.

IS2352 Globalization (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course will examine the role of linguistics in globalization with particular attention to the role of the West in cultural, economic, and political harmonization around the world.

IS3311 Research Writing (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is designed to teach students to gather and evaluate information from a variety of sources and to incorporate ideas from these sources into the writing of a research paper.

IS3317 World Religions (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an introduction to the history, beliefs, and practices of the world’s major living religions.  Religions studied include Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Indigenous Cultures, Islam, and Judaism.

IS3325 Introduction to Contextualization (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course provides an overview of topics related to the theory and practice of Christian Missions including the biblical/theological basis of missions, the history of missions as well as cultural and practical issues that relate to cross-cultural ministry.

IS3351 Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Service (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course explores the theory, purpose, and dynamics of cross-cultural service, multi-cultural team building as well as issues of personal living in a cross-cultural setting.

IS3361 Introduction to Historical Linguistics (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

All languages change over time, and one language can, given enough time, develop into many different daughter languages. Often these related languages provide the only surviving clues about their ancestral language. This course is an introduction to the techniques of linguistic reconstruction, and to the basic concepts underlying the genetic classification of languages. Both the comparative method and internal reconstruction will be taught. The emphasis will be on developing the practical skills of linguistic reconstruction, rather than on theoretical issues.

IS3364 Theory and Reality of Development (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course explores issues of poverty, economic development, education, and primary health care within the developing world. An emphasis is placed on examination of both successful and unsuccessful methods.

IS4309 Hermeneutics (Spring - Even numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

An introduction to issues in biblical and theoretical hermeneutics with a focus on interpretation of written texts. Special attention is given to influences from literary, linguistic, philosophical, and religious perspectives.

IS4311 Greco-Roman Religious World (Fall - Even numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

The New Testament is full of ancient documents by ancient authors, but their context is still largely accessible to us today. In order to better read, interpret, and apply the New Testament, students will learn about the historical, religious, and cultural environment in which Christianity arose.

IS4312 Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations (Fall - Odd numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

Students will explore linguistic, historical, socio-cultural, political, and religious contexts of Ancient Near Eastern civilizations. Specific focus is given to epic, social, and religious texts from civilizations of the Ancient Near Eastern world, particularly those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel.

IS4320-OL Cross Cultural Practicum (Spring/Summer/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

(Please consult with course instructor if you plan to attend during the Summer term).

This multi-week practicum combines learning and practical service, allowing the student to explore the reality of cross-cultural service through either a student-chosen program or a sponsoring agency.

IS4344 Chinese I (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

An introduction to modern standard Chinese, commonly called Mandarin, which is the official language of China and is the most widely used variety of Chinese in the world. This course is for beginners. The emphases will include pronunciation, acquiring core vocabulary in both spoken and written forms, and beginning conversation skills. There will also be an introduction to the lifelong process of learning the Chinese writing system.

IS4361 Cross-Cultural Communication (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Students will learn factors relevant to cross-cultural communication. They will be able to identify concepts from intercultural communication that can facilitate or impede communication in a cross-cultural context.

IS4398 Seminar in International Studies (TBA) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course has a unique International Studies topic and syllabus for each offering. It may be repeated when topic changes with permission of your academic advisor and the course instructor.

IS4399 Independent Study (By arrangement) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is used for an individual student/s to study with a professor outside of the regularly scheduled course offerings. An Independent Study Permission form must be completed and submitted to Academic Affairs.

Note: With permission of your academic advisor and the course instructor.

IS4646 Chinese 2 & 3 (Spring) (6 undergraduate credits)

Building on the foundations laid in Chinese 1, students will achieve a basic level of competence in conversation and reading and be able to write short compositions.

AA4170a Cultural Anthropology (research supplement) (By arrangement) (1 undergraduate credit)

This course emphasizes ethnographic research methods and analysis. After completing this course, students will have satisfied DIU’s requirements in this regard.

AA4305 Second Language and Culture Acquisition (Spring/Summer/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to learner-directed second language and culture acquisition with an emphasis on the beginning stages. Throughout the course students explore and examine perspectives on language and culture learning and develop strategies for dealing appropriately with cultural differences. The course includes a lab component which provides practical experience in learner-directed second language acquisition in a small group, non-instructed setting with a native speaker of another language.

AA4321-OL Dynamics of Multicultural Teamwork (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an introduction to working in a multicultural team and in cooperative activities in small groups of people. Students will consult a variety of resources including writings of western and non-western authors and case studies. Students will create two oral presentations based on research into topics of specific interest. Christian perspectives on teamwork underlie the philosophy of this course.

AA4350 Language and Society (Spring/Summer/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course considers the relationship between language and society. After successfully completing the course, students will be able to articulate the multilingual nature of the world’s societies, the function(s) of language(s) in nations, and how different languages are used alongside one another, including the idea of diglossia. They will also be able to identify the factors influencing the choice among language varieties for national and educational use. In addition, students will be able to explain how language attitudes and domains of language use influence the long-term maintenance and/or shift of language(s) in society. They will be able to discuss how all the aforementioned may possibly affect an applied anthropology program for a given linguistic community.

AA4357 Genres of Oral Tradition (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

Oral traditions, especially storytelling, may include aspects of entertainment, but they are art forms and a discipline of academic study.  This introductory course will integrate information from various disciplines and include topics that contribute to and are related to the general field of oral traditions. The course examines four broad genres of oral traditions: proverbs, riddles, verse, and stories. For each of these four genres, the course covers three approaches: How to collect/observe the genre; How to analyze the genre; and How to apply the genre in ways that benefit the community.

AA4370 Cultural Anthropology (Spring/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an introduction to cultural anthropology with emphases on application and several research methods. The main assignment is a practicum or research project that includes having students make at least four study-visits outside class hours to a Dallas/Fort Worth-area cross-cultural social situation.

AA4370-OL Cultural Anthropology (Summer) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an introduction to cultural anthropology with emphases on application and several research methods. The main assignment is a practicum or research project that includes having students make at least four study-visits outside class hours to a cross-cultural social situation.

AA4372 Political and Social Systems (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is an introduction to political and social systems worldwide. Subjects treated include basic types of political organizations, concepts and practices of authority, power, law, and decision-making.

AA4387 Training in Cross-Cultural Contexts (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

The course reviews adult learning theory. Students design and teach learning sessions to people of their own culture and to people of another culture, and analyze some of the cultural factors affecting learning and teaching.

AC1305 Basic Biblical Hebrew (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to the basics of Biblical Hebrew, focusing on reading, writing, and vocabulary. Identifying key verses from the lectionary cycle helps students navigate scripture as displayed in a Torah scroll. To practice skills, students will work with partners. Together the class will develop a variety of activities to stimulate interest in Hebrew learning.

AC2305 The Art of Hebrew Cantillation (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to the Hebrew trope marks used to identify accented syllables, pauses and phrasing, punctuation, and the application of cantillation melodies for public reading of the Torah.

AC3305 Foundations of Torah (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the first five books of the Bible. More than law, Torah is “Instruction” for how a people can live and prosper in covenant relationship. Students in this class practice telling the Torah meta narrative according to this portion-based organization and prepare an in-depth presentation to feature a section of particular interest.

AC4305 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

As an introductory survey of the history, literature, and message of the Old Testament, this course explores the unfolding of over-arching themes, narrative storyline, and intertextual relationships as understood by the history and historiography of the Hebrew scriptures. How Jewish, Christian, historical critical and post-modern approaches have shaped the reading of the canon will be a focus of class discussions.

AC4306 Introduction to the Greek Scriptures (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

As an introductory survey of the history, literature, and message of the New Testament, the course traces the unfolding of over-arching themes, narrative storyline, and intertextual relationships as experienced in its religious Jewish context within Greco-Roman society. How Christian, rabbinic and historical critical approaches shaped the reading of the canon will be a focus of class discussions.

AC4310 Introduction to Islam (Fall - Even numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to basic elements of Islamic societies in their diverse expressions, including origins, historical developments, beliefs, practices, worldviews, and cultural and religious patterns. Particular emphasis is given to understanding common barriers to communication and approaches for bridging worldview, cultural, and religious differences for purposes of transformation.

AC4311-SL Communication and Service in Muslim Contexts (Synchronous) (Spring - Even numbered years/Summer - Odd numbered years) (3 undergraduate credits)

In light of scriptural and anthropological principles, this course explores the nature, dynamics, scope, challenges, and approaches in appropriate and effective service in Muslim contexts. The class meets virtually at a time mutually agreed upon by each of the enrolling students.

AC4322 Storytelling in Abrahamic Communities (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces a collection of shared stories found within Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sacred texts. By comparing faith traditions and visual art representations, students identify points of commonality as well as divergence. Storytelling, the practice of oral communication, enhances effective communication both within and across Abrahamic communities.

AC4341-SL Arabic 1 (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces the student to Modern Standard Arabic and Arab culture. Students will learn the Arabic alphabet, basic grammar, and a vocabulary of 400 words in acquiring basic speaking and reading proficiency.

AC4342-SL Arabic 2 (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is the second step toward learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It will help the student to achieve advanced beginner-level proficiency in speaking, reading, listening, and writing, accessing a vocabulary of 800 words. The student will also be introduced to important aspects of Arab culture.

AC4343 Colloquial Arabic (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course enables students to speak a dialect of Arabic at a beginning level using either traditional classroom methodologies or else a Growing Participatory Approach (GPA). If the latter, then students will meet in small groups with a native-speaker language consultant, under the instructor’s guidance. The dialect offered will depend upon the language consultants that are available for the course.

AC4344 Reading Arabic (Fall/By arrangement) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course is the third step toward learning to read Arabic. It will enable students to read significant Abrahamic texts in classical and Modern Standard Arabic.

AL4201 Principles of Sign Languages Phonetics (Summer) (2 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces the theory and practice of sign language phonetics. It provides intensive practice in the recognition and production of a wide range of manual and non-manual phonetic elements that are used in natural sign languages, along with terminology for describing those elements precisely. It also teaches reading and writing one or more notational systems that are useful in recording phonetic details when conducting research on sign languages. This course is taught in American Sign Language and written English.

AL4207 Field Data Management (Spring/Summer - Even numbered years/Fall) (2 undergraduate credits)

With a focus on methodology and good praxis, this course instructs students in the use of computational tools for managing and presenting phonological, textual, and lexical data collected in linguistic field research.

AL4302 Principles of Articulatory and Acoustic Phonetics (Spring/Summer/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

Using an augmented subset of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), students will be able to identify, mimic, and transcribe sounds and prosodies in normal human speech and to describe the mechanisms by which a speaker produces these sounds.  Students will also be introduced to basic techniques of acoustic analysis.

AL4303 Principles of Phonological Analysis (Spring/Summer/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course provides practice in recognizing the difference between phonetic (etic) and phonological (emic) data through numerous practical exercises. Theoretical topics of focus include the use of distinctive features, natural classes, phonetic plausibility, complementary distribution, free variation, contrast in identical/analogous environments, phonological processes, common conditioning environments, typological universals, tone analysis, and morphophonemics. This is an ideal course for field-workers preparing to help develop or revise an orthography for any language.

AL4304 Introduction to Language Structure (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course provides a basic introduction to language sounds and structures. It will enhance students’ ability to learn another language as they use natural language data to discover and analyze word and sentence formation in a variety of different languages. Students will also have the opportunity to identify, pronounce, and transcribe the most common sounds found in the world’s languages.

AL4304-OL Introduction to Language Structure (Spring/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course provides a basic introduction to language sounds and structures. It will enhance students’ ability to learn another language as they use natural language data to discover and analyze word and sentence formation in a variety of different languages. Students will also have the opportunity to identify, pronounce, and transcribe the most common sounds found in the world’s languages.

AL4341 American Sign Language 1 (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This beginner-level course introduces students to American Sign Language (ASL) and basic knowledge of Deaf culture. Emphasis is on the acquisition of comprehension, production, and interactional skills using basic grammatical features with respect to use of ASL in the context of everyday life experiences.

AL4342 American Sign Language 2 (Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

ASL2 is a continuation of ASL1. This novice-level course is designed to continue development of American Sign Language expressive and receptive skills, grammar, vocabulary, cultural awareness, and related terminology. It expands the range of communication skills, with special emphasis on being able to convey prior knowledge in the new language.

AL4406 Field Methods and Linguistic Analysis (Spring/Summer - Even numbered years/Fall) (4 undergraduate credits)

Working with a speaker of a non-western language, students in this course elicit data which they then use to analyze the phonological system and produce a mini-lexicon and a grammar sketch of the target language.

AL4410 Principles of Grammatical Analysis (Spring/Summer/Fall) (4 undergraduate credits)

This course introduces students to techniques for analyzing and describing basic morphological and syntactic issues in natural languages. By working through numerous practical exercises from a large variety of languages, students gain confidence in their ability to determine word classes and allomorphy and to deal with inflectional and derivational morphology. Students also learn to analyze different types of phrases, clauses, and sentences. This course serves as a prerequisite for several graduate linguistics courses.

WA2381-IN Arts for a Better Future (MayExt) (3 undergraduate credits)

In this undergrad course, students will learn to help a community recognize, value, and plan to use its own arts to meet local needs and goals. The course provides a compact overview of the Creating Local Arts Together (CLAT) model of community engagement. The CLAT process consists of seven flexible steps grounded in ethnographic and appreciative inquiry approaches: meet a community and its arts; specify goals; select communication genre and content; analyze the genre; spark creativity; improve new works and creative systems; and integrate and celebrate for continuity. Students will work with the model through three pedagogical cycles. This course is also available at the graduate level by registering for WA5381.

See a short video here.

You may also view the Arts for a Better Future FAQ.

WA3350-OL Conference Course on World Arts (TBA) (3 undergraduate credits)

Global gatherings with a focus on world arts and cross-cultural work provide an outstanding opportunity for connecting with new resources, new practitioners and scholars in the field, and new ideas to invigorate service. In this course, students will leverage their attendance at one of several conferences specializing in World Arts into a learning experience, interacting with a community of fellow students as they begin to develop their abilities and plans for working with communities.

WA3380-IN Introduction to Ethnodoxology (MayExt) (3 undergraduate credits)

This is a foundational course introducing key principles of ethnodoxology that will help students serve worshipping communities more effectively, whether overseas or in multi-ethnic North American contexts. Students will experience a corpus of songs and other artistic liturgical expressions from around the world, developing a vision for multicultural worship. In addition, students will explore appropriate ways to incorporate these artistic expressions into the worship life of their communities.

This course is also available at the graduate level by registering for WA5380.

Registration for a workshop version (no credit) is available in partnership with the Global Ethnodoxology Network (GEN) – see here.

WA3386-OL World Arts Practicum (Spring/Fall) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course entails acquiring the performance and artistic skills needed for cross-cultural participation in one of the artistic traditions of a community.  Emphasis is on developing an understanding of how to perform within the context of a chosen tradition, including researching this tradition and how it functions artistically and socially in its community.  The choice of ethnic ensemble or mentoring relationships will vary depending upon the artistic tradition chosen for study and availability of local mentors.

Note: This course requires access to an internet connection capable of supporting Zoom class meetings that will be scheduled around students’ availability.

WA4382-SL Survey of World Arts (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

This course looks at various artistic traditions from communities around the world, showing how these artistic expressions perform important cultural functions and serve as markers of identity. The course uses experiential activities and media resources to expand the students’ appreciation of the complexity and significance of various world art traditions.

WA4387 Area Studies for World Arts (Spring) (3 undergraduate credits)

Through this course, students will develop preliminary skills for researching and analyzing artistic genres within their cultural context. Student research will focus on an ethnolinguistic group of the student’s choice, including diasporic groups.