Bible Translation Program

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The Bible Translation Program at Gordon College aims to prepare students to work in support of Bible translation. This interdisciplinary vocational training program provides a curriculum and learning experience that will equip students to partner with mission organizations in the field upon graduation. The Bible Translation Program continues Gordon College’s 128-year commitment to teaching the Scriptures and seeks to afford students the opportunity to join the Missio Dei through international work in a practical setting that will use their liberal arts degree while allowing them to grow in faith, character, and expertise.

Foundational Skills

LIN 200 - Introduction to Linguistics Credits: 4
BCM 216 - Contemporary Developments in World Missions Credits: 4
Plus:

Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language (level 201 and 202) Credits: 8
- French is recommended for Africa (FRE 201 , FRE 202 )
- Mandarin is recommended for Asia (MAN 201 , MAN 202 )
- Spanish is recommended for Latin/South America (SPN 201 , SPN 202 )
- Other language in consultation with program directors

Cultural and Interpersonal Awareness

COM 248 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 4
Plus one of the following:
COM 242 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 4
LIN 301 - Sociolinguistics Credits: 4
PSY 260 - Culture and Cognition in Psychology Credits: 4
SOC 221 - Power, Prestige and Poverty Credits: 4

Historical or Political Context

One of the following:

BCM 215 - Foundations for Global Christianity Credits: 4
HIS 245 - History of Africa Credits: 4
HIS 250 - History of Latin America Credits: 4
HIS 344 - Classical Islam and the Middle East Credits: 4
POL 219 - Politics of the Developing World Credits: 4
POL 324 - Politics and History of Latin America Credits: 4
POL 349 - Religion and International Affairs Credits: 4
POL 416 / ECB 416 - International Political Economy Credits: 4
SPN 362 - Latin American History, Culture and Civilization Credits: 4

Experiential Learning Capstone

One of the following after intermediate language proficiency has been attained:

Summer internship with a mission organization. It is strongly recommended that the internship be overseas in a country where English is not the mother tongue or official language.
Semester-long study abroad in a language other than English.

Note:

Additional coursework may be suggested depending on the student’s interests and in consultation with the program directors.