Course Descriptions

For most Colleges and Universities students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units to be considered full-time. Here are the classes offered in Quito:

Required

Spanish 3-6 credits

Students come to Ecuador with varying degrees of fluency in Spanish. Consequently, after initial placement testing, students are placed in classes that will correspond to their level of proficiency. Courses will introduce the students to the sounds and structure of the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Courses will provide the basis to understand and communicate Spanish effectively. Students will be under the direct instruction of the Andean Study Program.

Ecuador 250: History, Politics, and Culture of Ecuador 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the history, politics, and culture of Ecuador, along with the relationship between various factors. The course includes guest speakers from local organizations and visits to community groups, along with lecture and readings. Open only to students who participate in the Ecuador Semester Program.

Core Courses

Intercultural Practicum

An integrative cross-cultural experience designed to help the student understand and form his or her Christian worldview, cross-cultural engagement, and understanding of diverse social and cultural contexts. Field experience sites involving small teams of students will be utilized in this intercultural practicum. Students will perform 7 weeks of internship. Extensive daily journaling of experiences both positive and negative, instructions in learning and observing will be noted. A debriefing process will conclude the practicum.

Spiritual Formation 3 credits

This course will examine the dynamics of personal development in student’s lives, focusing on spiritual growth. Biblical principles that govern the character and conduct of Christians will be addressed. Students will employ analytical tools and reflection skills to develop a greater self- awareness. From this foundation they will explore the process of spiritual formation and establish an initial life-plan for the regular practice of spiritual disciplines.

Worldview and World Religions 2 credits

The goal of this course is to understand the nature of a worldview and the function of faith and reason in developing a worldview. To define and analyze eight basic worldviews (Christian theism, deism, naturalism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern pantheism, New Age spirituality and postmodernism). To explore and critique six major world religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Taoism & Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. To offer an internal critique of each worldview and an evaluation from the standpoint of historic Christianity.

Electives (pending interest)

Cultural Anthropology, 3 units

Global Marketing Management, 3 units

Business as Mission, 3 units

Organizational and Ministry Leadership 3 units

Grading

Evaluation of your work is based on many factors. These include but are not limited to: participation, written assignments, and examinations. A "C" grade indicates adequate performance, a "B" grade indicates good, competent and complete work, and an "A" grade indicates creative excellence that is integrative and exceeds requirements.