ASDECS: Asian School of Development and Cross-Cultural Studies

ASIAN SCHOOL OF DEVELOPMENT AND CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES (ASDECS) is a training consortium specializing in both formal and non-formal education in the field of development and a cross-cultural studies. It seeks to create a mutually enabling environment that builds the capacities of individuals and organizations in doing with wholistic development and mission that is genuinely rooted in an Asian context.

ASDECS distinctives are wholism and the integration of spiritual perspectives into the theory and practice of development. There is concern for culture-fit and rootedness in the Asian context in its organization and training style.

ASDECS is committed to experience-based, participatory learning and concern for theory-building in the areas of development, cross-cultural studies and wholistic mission that is sourced from within the Asian context.

ASDECS teaching and learning environment is collegial. The faculty are top-class both as academics and practitioners, each with intensive cross-cultural experience. To ensure that courses are integrative, practical and multi-disciplinary, there is emphasis on team teaching and hands-on learning. ASDECS' teaching and learning processes are products of community learning and reflection by both teachers and students together. The teaching pattern accommodates Asian students' ways of thinking and learning with great emphasis on personal mentoring. The learning environment tries to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, flexible, culturally sensitive and quick to make adjustments, grasping every opportunity to learn formally and informally, seeing difficulties as teaching and learning moments.

ASDECS courses are multi-sited that is, held in the various facilities of the organizations participating in the consortium. The formal courses are aimed at busy professionals who wish to sharpen skills in development and cross-cultural work, allowing them to do modular concentrated courses for brief periods and then do on-the-job research and reflection. In keeping with the commitment to empower grassroots communities, teaching teams will be mobile, available for non-formal training in rural and urban poor sites.

ASDECS is an affiliate organization of the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISACC).

Masters in Development Studies
Community Organizing
Perspectives and initial skills in doing grassroots work, understanding its context, examining some approaches, models and strategies to wholistic development and its issues and challenges.

Masters in Cross-Cultural Studies
Crossing Cultures
Understanding the cross-cultural process and its attendant culture shock. What it means to safely cross cultural boundaries, integrate with the host culture and manage culture stress.

Board of Trustees

•	David S. Lim, ASDECS President and Chairman
•	Ethel Balenton
•	Rey Corpuz
•	Jeri Keye Gunderson
•	Jose Maria Luz Lamigo
•	David S. Lim
•	Peter G. Malvicini
•	Rey S. Taniajura
•	Pieter Theron

Founding Members

ORGANIZATIONS

•	Asian Biblical Seminary
•	Asia Pacific Theological Seminary
•	Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
•	Food for the Hungry
•	Institute for Studies in Asian Church & Culture
•	Overseas Missionary Fellowship
•	Philippine Missions Association
•	Worlwide Church of God
•	Koinonia Thoelogical Seminary

INDIVIDUALS
Ethel Balenton, Gerhard Bartschi, Mac Bradshaw, Ruth Callanta, Corrie De Boer, Jeri Gunderson, David Lim, Mel Luna, Peter Malvicini, Cora Navarra, Vylma Ovalles, Grant Power, Emo Yango

CORE COURSES
	Transformational Development A banner course, this provides an introductory and comprehensive overview of the meaning of transformation, social theories on poverty, dependency gender and development, with concrete case studies for practical learning. Enables learners to think integratively from both biblical and empirical perspectives.
	Culture and Development Perspective and practices that help learners to integrate cultural sensitivity into development process.
	Intercultural Communication Perspectives, principles and skills in communicating interculturally.
	Approaches, Techniques and Tools for Development A survey of tools used in development work, e.g. Appreciative Inquiry, Strategic Planning, Facilitation, etc. to sharpen skills and people's participation in visioning and planning, gathering information, program management, evaluation and monitoring.

ELECTIVE COURSES
	Fund Raising and Resource Management Perspectives, principles and skills in resource generation, fund utilization, investment and management with integrity and accountability.
	Alternative Research Strategies for Transformational Development Participants will explore options for research and documentation that view the poor as active subjects instead of passive objects of research. The emphasis will be on culturally appropriate, non-extractive research that is participatory and action-oriented. "Social research for social change" is done in partnership with poor people and communities. Participants will seek to leverage the convergence of local knowledge with formal scientific knowledge in ways that are transformative for the people involved leading to enhanced individual/community well being.
	Urban Poor Ministries Understanding and apportunities all threats in urban context and their implications to missions among the urban poor. Includes hands-on exposure to work in urban poor communities.
	Integrating Spirituality in Development Work Helps development workers, particularly those who are tired and stressed, to be guided by the resources of their faith in how to stay fresh and vital in their social engagements over the long haul.
	Gospel and Culture: Some Missiological Issues Examines the issue of contextualization; what it is and what it takes to witness sensitively in an Asian setting.
	The Church as an Agent of Change: Some Practical Learnings What is means for the church to be truly an enabling environment for the poor, helping as well as learning among them and drawing for its long compassion principles that make for effective change.

All courses offered are 3 credit units each and can be credited towards a Masters in Development Studies or a Masters in Cross-Cultural Studies. Core courses are required for both tracks. Electives are recommended to students of both tracks. Participants who are doing the course for credit will be required projects related to their interests/field. ASDECS courses can be credited in theological institutions participating in the consortium, i.e. Alliance Biblical Seminary, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary and Koinonia Theological Seminary. Expanding accreditation with universities and other academic institutions here and abroad is currently being explored.

ASDECS CURRICULUM
Courses/Programs	MASTERS IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES	MASTERS IN CROSS CULTURAL STUDIES
Core Courses (12 units)	Transformational Development Culture and Development Intercultural Communications Approaches Techniques and Tools for Development
Specialized Courses (15 units)	Community Organizing Organizational Development Program Management Social Development Interventions Economic Interventions	Crossing Cultures Communicating the Gospel in Asian Context Understanding Asian Culture Culture Sensitivity in Management Cross-cultural SkillsTraining
Electives (6 units)	Fund Raising and Resource Management Alternative Research Strategies For Transformational Development Urban poor Ministries� Integrating Spirituality in Development Work Gospel and Culture: some Missiological Issues The Church as an Agent of Change
Special Project (6 units)	Field Work / Thesis or an equivalent creative work

For inquiries and registration contact:

MR. EVAN ROGEL "ER" BRON CHONG
Rm. 104 David I Building
567 Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Telephone (632) 723-0690
Fax (632) 723-8580
E-Mail asdecs2002@yahoo.com

CARE & COUNSEL WHOLENESS CENTER | ASDECS | VALLEY OF PEACE

Home • Who We Are • What We Do • Training Seminars • Publications • Contact Info
Be a Member • Subscribe to PATMOS • Order Form • Guestbook
Site Map • Links