This course prepares students to observe and understand the cultural and social context for ministry. The course examines culture, societies, communication, technology, economy, kinship systems, social control and government, and culture change.

This course provides an introduction to principles and skills of logical thinking. It provides experience in evaluating ideas, arguments and evidence, which are obtained from written sources, social interaction and observation. It also provides practice in crafting and expressing good ideas in speaking and in writing, both in your academic and in your ministry careers. The course emphasizes group and individual exercises, especially around assumptions and arguments of theological significance.

Degree students are required to write a 5,000-word project requiring advanced research skills on a topic of interest to them. Students develop a research proposal during the Research and Writing course) and continue work on it through their final year. Each student has a faculty supervisor to guide them in the research process.