Required Coursework

optional coursework

expected student learning outcomes

articulation

academic Travel

INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL

Curriculum & Travel

AmbEx courses generally meet General Education, Elective and/or Major (upper division) requirements. It is desired that every course/credit count toward graduation; check with your college Registrar to see how AmbEx credits may be applied. At some colleges some AmbEx courses may serve solely for spiritual advancement.

Courses are designed to meet General Education (lower division) requirements. Courses/syllabi may be adjusted by adding rigor, breadth and depth such that upper division students may receive credit towards their Major. It is desired that every course/credit count toward graduation but there may be situations where the credit is superfluous albeit scholastically and spiritually edifying.

*AmbEx Orientation (Credit 0-2 semester units is optional)*
Hours for this course would be divided between the week before going to Amberg and the week immediately after the students return. Prior work will include important social and language nuances, goal-setting, team building, and other preparatory activities. The return week will be reserved for debriefing the experience and planning for sharing opportunities that will likely occur for students on their return.

Required coursework

*Christian Worldview (3 semester units) *
An in-depth study of the nature and basis of a Christ-centered, God-honoring, comprehensive Christian worldview, with particular attention to the nature and interrelationship of biblical metaphysics (the nature of God, man, and all creation), epistemology (the nature, basis, and validity of knowledge), and ethics. The nature, method, and sources of theology will be considered, with interaction, analysis, and critique of the fundamental bases of non-Christian worldviews.

*Reformation History (3 semester units) *
A survey of critical events, people, and ideas that, by God's providence, shaped the nature and influence of the Protestant Reformation, with consideration of the nature of ultimate authority and other issues related to Christian worldview.

*Reformation Theology (3 semester units) * An examination and analysis of critical theological issues of the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, Protestant Evangelicalism, and modern theology, including the nature of God, man, sin, salvation, >revelation, and the church, with consideration of the basis and nature of worldview (including the basis and nature of authority), to the development of different Christian and non-Christian theological views.

*The History and Theology of Revival and the New Birth (3 semester units) > *
A survey of the history of revivals, with a case study of the Great Awakening utilizing Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections as a means to structure and assist in analyzing and explaining the doctrine of the New Birth. Attention will be given to integrating course content with the content of the Christian Worldview class toward a critical and humble understanding of the importance of a proper biblical and theological worldview to a Christ-honoring life. Students will be given the means to a greater discernment as to what constitutes authentic works of the Spirit of God.

Optional but highly recommended coursework

*German Geography—People and Places (3 semester units)*
A semester long course that orients students to the cultural and geographical setting of the Reformation and Renaissance. Additionally, contemporary German and European geography, demography, government, society, culture, customs, politics, commerce and industry, education system(s), etc., will be addressed. Students will visit churches, museums, libraries, schools, performances, etc. in Central Europe. Students will be expected to write about their experiences and design multi-media presentations to communicate what they have learned. Content of the course will vary with planned travel.

*German Language Acquisition (Credits are determined by each individuals CLEP exam results and/or sending college)*

a. Given sufficient students, this traditional course is intended as a basic introduction to the German language. It will provide multiple opportunities to use skills learned with both native and foreign German speakers. AmbEx students will also interact with German high school students learning English.

b. All students have the option of taking this course as a Hybrid. This means students study at their own level and pace using Rosetta Stone software (German). A German tutor is on-hand to assist each student when needed/requested. Credit is awarded based on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) in accordance with each schools policy.

*Independent Study Options (1-3 semester hours)* NOTE: Each student's sending college Course Professor designs the DS course/syllabus. AmbEx staff/faculty are available to monitor progress, proctor quizzes, exams, etc., and function as a facilitators for the following courses.

- European Missions and Evangelism
- Economics of the European Union
- International Business, Economics and Administration
- Ministry & Business Internships
- Education "Pedagogy" (DoDDS has Elementary, Middle and Senior High Schools near AmbEx to administer observation hours when possible).
- Historical Foundations of Psychology
- History of Mathematics
- Music and the Church
- Tourism

AmbEx Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Articulation

Academic Travel

Considerable effort and resources go towards 'walking in the footsteps of the Reformers". Students will achieve much more than a 'windshield' tour of central Europe.

Traveling on German trains and buses will provide AmbEx students opportunities to experience Europe like a European while making friends along the way and sharing their precious faith.

Accommodations will usually be in clean, well supervised Student Hostels where they will often exchange and engage with students their own age. While on Education Field Trips students will receive meal vouchers.

More than a 'sightseeing' trip—tours will challenge students academically to advance their knowledge, understanding and transformation—before, during and after each excursion.

Academic Tours (Spring & Fall): Included in Tuition

AmbEx Activities around Amberg To view more AmbEx photos, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/ambexpictures

Spring Semester -- "Land of Luther" (6 days):  Wittenberg , Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, Marburg, Eisleben, Eisenach, Coburg. This tour highlights the life of Martin Luther and J.S. Bach contrasting to modern history and problems. This area is rich in reformation history, classical music & art and philosophy. (Five Nights/Six Days)

Fall Semester -- "Land of Calvin"  (6 days):   Strasbourg, Basil, Zurich, Geneva, etc.  This tour weaves through the Black Forest, Alsace Lorraine--France, Switzerland, Austria and So. Germany -- some of the most picturesque scenery anywhere.  Important cities include Strasbourg, Basel, Geneva, Zurich, Innsbruck, etc. (Five Nights/Six Days)

The following is a testimony of a student who recently completed a Reformation Study Tour:

"Studying the Reformation overseas enables the students to physically visit (hands on) many historical sites relevant to the Reformation. The student has the opportunity to visit museums, see actual documents, Bibles and manuscripts, churches and hundreds of authentic relics pertaining to the historical Reformation of the middle ages. This type of education mixed with classroom lectures will stimulate the student's senses as well as their learning styles to a greater degree compared to classroom studies alone.   Studies of the Reformation overseas will impact the student's perspective of history, culture, geography, and will also broaden their Christian world view. This will have a great impact on the student's life not only their remaining years of study in college but will have a long lasting impact for the rest of their lives."
-- Kyle Turnbull, The Master's College

Individual Travel

AmbEx students typically are in the classroom Monday-Thursday.   Most Friday's and Saturday's students are enjoying the region around Amberg e.g. castles, caves, cathedrals, hiking, biking, Volksfestivals, etc. Ministry and worship opportunities are available on Sunday's.

Additionally during the semester there are three Super 4-day Weekends (Friday-Monday).  Expenses are not included in AmbEx Room & Board.

A 'Bayern' train pass allows 5 students to travel anywhere in Bavaria, Germany's largest and most scenic state, for approximately $10.00 per day.  For example, students could travel to Munich, Garmisch, Berchtesgaden, any number of beautiful castles, monasteries, churches, museums all within Bayern. Students can stay overnight in Student Hostels (Bed & Breakfast) for less than $25/night.

Many destinations are easily accessible via train from Amberg, including: 

Nurnberg airport is easily reached by train from Amberg. Over a long weekend, students may want to consider a trip to London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, etc., for sometimes as inexpensive as $150.00 round trip. Our AmbEx Host Nation Coordinator(s) will assist students with travel opportunities and arrangements.