Cross-Cultural Requirement

Prior to the completion of 36 hours, each M.Div. student must register for X-727 and participate in a cross-cultural experience. In consultation with the director of cross-cultural and international programs, the student chooses the experience, writes a proposal and a contract that describes which of the following options the student will use:

• An experience-based course, to be counted toward graduation as a field or general elective
• A self-assigned experience under the supervision of a faculty member, to be counted toward graduation. Credit is optional.
• Students seeking credit must register for a guided research.
• A special event sponsored or approved by the seminary, for which students may choose to receive or not to receive credit.

In all options, the student is expected to keep a journal or other reflective paper in order to demonstrate that the student has reflected theologically on the experience. See the director of cross-cultural and international programs for more information about the cross-cultural requirement.

Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center Consortium (AMERC)

Christian Theological Seminary is a member of the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center Consortium (AMERC). AMERC provides specialized training for students preparing for ministry in the Appalachian church and other mission settings, with particular attention to small town and rural congregations. Students who participate in an AMERC travel seminar may receive academic credit and may use the seminar to fulfill the cross-cultural requirement for the M.Div. 

Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE)

CTS is also a member of the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE), which provides a variety of opportunities for students to experience the urban life of Chicago in a context of theological reflection and sociological analysis. Participation in one of SCUPE’s intensive courses (S-302 and S-309) affords the possibility of earning academic credit and fulfilling the cross-cultural requirement for the M.Div.

Photo: Chicago Architecture Foundation

Overseas Study Options

CTS regularly offers study trips abroad for credit and cross-cultural experiences. Recent trips have included Jamaica and India. CTS students can also participate in exchange programs in Jamaica and India for credit toward certain degrees. Contact the director of cross-cultural and international programs for more information.