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VISION AND PHILOSOPHY

The M.A. in Holistic Child Development (HCD) is a unique partner¬ship in Asia between Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary and Compassion International to provide graduate level training for leaders and practitioners in children at risk ministry.

The goal is to equip Christians to become competent and passionate leaders and trainers in holistic child development programs in life and ministries of the Church. The qualities sought of an HCD graduate includes leadership, teamwork, motivation, promotion, and acting as catalyst of change.

The training in HCD seeks to be faithful to the Triune God’s view of children and contributes toward the realization of Prophet Isaiah’s vision of children “leading” in God’s plan to renew His world. Therefore, students enrolled in the program need to see themselves committed to something more than an academic program for knowledge, skills, and a master degree.

An HCD student submits oneself to a process which forms the individual in the “head, heart and hands.” The period of study, therefore, is a time set aside for conscious transformation by the Holy Spirit as the individual encounters fellow students, lecturers, texts, and assignments. The student subjects oneself to the deepening of convictions to God’s perspective of children, the building of character, and cultivation of a spirituality that makes the person “fit” to be a faithful advocate of children in the church and world.

OBJECTIVES & COMPETENCIES

On completion of the HCD program, the student will be able to:

Reflect on childhoods and families and the potential, nurture and needs of chil¬dren in light of Scripture, culture, and theology (Theology / Anthropology).

Analyze ideologies, systems, and structures of globalization with particular refer¬ence to poverty and marginalization in families, communities, and nations, and the ways by which these elements affect children (Sociology).

Examine relevant theoretical approaches to childhood, the impact of negative fac¬tors on child development, and formulate appropriate intervention strategies (Child Development / Psychology).

Explore the role of the Church in holistic child development and formulate strate¬gies in light of God’s mission (Missions).

Integrate the knowledge and skills of holistic child development necessary to be competent practitioners and compassionate advocates in their area of responsi¬bility (Personal Growth / Leadership).

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program curriculum comprises of 40 master-level credits in three (3) Modules offered through a combination of on and off-campus approaches. Eight (8) core courses in Modules 1 and 2 are offered at the Penang campus each June. Modules 1 and 2 courses are offered simultaneously with one course per week (5 days). Part of Modules 1 and 2 assignments, the practicum, and spiritual formation are completed “on site” (where the student is located). It takes two (2) years to complete the two Mod¬ules.

Module 3 in part may be completed on campus or “on site.” There are some distance learning materials related to child development which can be credited as electives. Highlight of Module 3 is the “major project.” Assuming that students work diligently through¬out the learning process, the whole program can be completed in a minimum of 3 years. Since the bulk of the program is completed off-campus, students must have self-initiative and dedication. Students are given a maximum of 6 years to complete the program.

CORE COURSES

Child, Church, and Mission

This course develops awareness of contemporary church and mission issues and strategies to understand how ministries to children fit into this broader picture and provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the church in caring for needy children.

Childhoods in Cultural Contexts

This course examines variables that influence the way children are seen, treated, listened to, parented and taught as they grow up in contemporary societies. It draws from sociopolitical, cultural, psychological and theological perspectives to understand child development.

Globalization, Poverty and Marginalization of Children

This course explores issues of global poverty especially the problem of “absolute” poverty experienced by many people living in third world or developing nations. Topics of discussion include hunger, lack of basic needs, gender, living conditions, reform, human rights, homelessness, inequality etc.

Child Participation, Protection, and the CRC

This course provides an overview of the importance of listening to children, the UNCRC from a Christian perspective, the importance and practical development of the Child Protection Policy.

Caring for the Caregivers

This course helps workers caring for children at risk to understand and deal with the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of caring for this particular group of children, and develop personal coping strategies for long-term effectiveness.

Theological Foundations of Childhood

This course helps students use theological approaches and insights to understand their world, think theologically about children, their significance, values, humanity and needs in God's creative and redemptive work in the world.

Child Development and Functioning

This course examines components of related developmental theories and makes appropriate Christian responses in view of Christian anthropology; that children are created in the imago Dei and purposed to fulfill that calling.

Community Development with Children as Focus

This course provides students with knowledge and skills to understand what community development is, how it contributes to holistic human growth, the various forms of community development practices with children as the focus.

MODULE STRUCTURE

Module 1	13
HCD501 Child, Church, and Mission	2
HCD502 Childhood in Cultural Contexts	2
HCD503 Globalization, Poverty, and Marginalization of Children	2
HCD504 Child Development and Functioning	2
HCD509 Research and Design "A"	1
HCD510 Practicum I	2
HCD512 Spiritual Formation I	2

Module 2	13
HCD505 Introduction to Child Theology	2
HCD506 Community Development with Children as Focus	2
HCD507 Caring for the Caregivers	2
HCD508 Child Participation, Protection, and the CRC	2
HCD509 Research and Design "B"	1
HCD511 Practicum II	2
HCD513 Spiritual Formation II	2

Module 2	14
HCD514 HCD Elective 1	2
HCD515 HCD Elective 2	2
HCD516 HCD Elective 3	2
HCD517 HCD Integration	2
HCD520 HCD Project	6