• Europe - Communications
• Malaysia - Religion/History
• Mexico - Wellness
• World Trip - Honors College

The History of Christianity in Malaysia

Religion 389G/History 389G
4 Credit Hours
May 2008

This Study Abroad course, to be offered May 2008, will cover the history of Christianity in Malaysia from the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in the mid 16th century up to the challenges facing the church today in this Muslim nation.

Students will examine the influences of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures on the history of Christianity in Malaysia. The students will visit churches and have the opportunity to interview Christians in Malaysia, which in turn will help them make comparisons to the history of Christianity in other cultures, including, especially, their own.

Travel Itinerary

Malaysia is a far away country that will surprise you by its similarities and differences to the U. S. You will be wowed by the Kuala Lumpur (KL) International Airport upon your arrival, and before you depart you will experience a world class city, Kuala Lumpur, and the historic city of Malacca, in Peninsular Malaysia and the tropical wonderland of Sabah, which includes within miles of one another the highest peak in SE Asia and endless miles of sandy beaches, on the island of Borneo. You will visit Buddhist and Hindu Temples , colonial architecture, and India Street in KL, and throughout your time in Malaysia you will have luscious fruit and more inviting menu items than you could imagine around every street corner.

Course requirements

Students will be prepared for our time in Malaysia by lectures and readings on Malaysian history and culture and on an introduction to the history of Christianity in Malaysia . While in Malaysia students will receive lectures by seminary faculty at two seminaries, visit churches and other religious sites and do primary research on assigned topics. You will have a number of opportunities to get to know Malaysians of a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds

Costs

Tuition for the 4 credit course is $820. Trip costs will be $2700 (estimated), which will cover all travel and accommodation costs and most meals. We will stay approximately half the time in hotels and half the time in seminary lodging. Personal expenses will include a passport, travel to and from MSP Airport , bottled water, and some meals. Gifts and souvenirs are abundant in Malaysia , which is known for a multitude of craft items. A minimum of $100 is suggested for water and meals; more will allow you to bring home a variety of gifts and souvenirs.

For more information contact Professor John Carlson, carlsonj@waldorf.edu or Professor Joy Heebink, heebinkj@waldorf.edu.