DESCRIPTION:

This course will consider one particular aspect of a theology of culture: theology and film. The course will (1) view and discuss selected films, (2) provide the student critical skills helpful for film interpretation, and (3) explore possible theological and biblical approaches to film criticism.

Preparation for ministry too often assumes students possess skills in cultural analysis and interaction. This course will help students to see Western "culture" by providing a critical and theological framework for viewing cinema. While such cultural engagement is not sufficient for effective ministry, it is supportive of, if not necessary for, all aspects of ministry.

Discussion and lecture. The class will meet one evening per week. One or two films will be assigned prior to the class session along with supporting reading. During each session, students will typically (1) discuss the movies, (2) consider aspects of the nature of film and/or theology, (3) use a selected critical approach to film, and (4) enter into theological criticism with the film. Occasional outside resource persons will be used.

1. Thirteen films: Crimes and Misdemeanors; Signs; American Beauty; Run Lola Run; The Princess and the Warrior; Magnolia; Punch Drunk Love; Election; About Schmidt; Monster's Ball; plus three City of Angels Film Festival films. One recommended film: Ikiru.

2. Participation in the City of Angels Film Festival, October 23 to 26, 2003.

3. The following texts:

Ecclesiastes.

Boorstin, Jon. Making Movies Work, Silman-James Press, 1995.

Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.

Murphy, R. and E. Huwiler. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. NIBC 12. Hendrickson, 1999.

Reading syllabus.

1. Viewing and journaling on selected movies (10%).

2. Quiz on Boorstin, Making Movies Work (10%).

3. Two-page critical review and questions on Johnston, Reel Spirituality (15%).

4. Five, 1 page critical responses to Useless Beauty chapters plus three-page critical review (25%)

5. Ten-page paper on a film(s) (approved by instructor) bringing the movie(s) into dialogue with Ecclesiastes, whether letting the film shed light on the biblical text, using the biblical text to critique the movie, or otherwise engaging in dialogue (40%).

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M.Div. and M.A. in Theology elective; meets the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).

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