The MA with Major in Language and Culture Studies, concentration Scripture Engagement, provides expertise in a particular domain of Scripture Engagement service as well as broad competency in Scripture Engagement. It prepares people to comprehensively understand Scripture Engagement and address the issues that influence the acceptance and use of translated Scriptures. This program also provides participants with the opportunity to gain expertise in one particular area of Scripture Engagement such as orality, media, digital engagement, contextualization, etc. Participants will develop the ability to consult on SE issues and the needed skills to lead in specific areas of Scripture-Engagement interventions.

The program includes two courses that focus on Scripture Engagement, plus other supporting courses.

SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY AND METHODS covers eight aspects of any situation, eight “conditions” that affect Scripture access and engagement everywhere in the world. We go through how each one affects SE and what can be done when that condition is a problem. There is lots of assigned reading and each student consults with someone working in a current Bible translation project.

CURRENT ISSUES IN SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT goes deeper on some of these issues and takes up others as well. It varies slightly each time so as to be maximally beneficial to the students that year and to cover the current live issues.

Graduates of this degree program will be qualified to serve in specialist cross-cultural roles. In particular, SIL International will recognize graduates with this concentration as having completed the minimum academic training requirements to serve with that organization in the specialist role of Scripture Engagement specialist.