DESCRIPTION: The course will engage postmodernity theologically by studying one of adolescents' primary sources of meaning: the movies. This course will investigate some of the social, ethical, and psychological implications of postmodern film upon theology, and in turn seek a theological engagement with these movies.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through viewing of selected films, interactive discussion, and class lectures students will (1) understand the relationship between popular culture, theology, and youth; (2) explore the contours of postmodern theology and its intersections with youth culture and needs; (3) be able to appreciate the dynamics affecting contemporary ministry today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Postmodern ministry must engage audiences barraged by electronic overload and largely cut off from traditional, Biblical understandings of God. This course will sharpen the skills of tomorrow's ministers in analyzing culture, "reading" a film, and forging theological responses. Special emphasis will be given to recent movies, particularly the edgy, spiritually-charged visions of emerging filmmakers.

COURSE FORMAT: Interactive. The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks. During each session, students will (1) discuss the film(s); (2) grapple with the filmmaker's intent; (3) utilize various critical film theories; and (4) consider possible theological responses.

REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING:

Anker, Roy M. Catching Light; Looking for God in the Movies. Eerdmans, 2004.

Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003.

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000.

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 1998.

Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2003.

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997.

Film to be viewed prior to the first class if possible: Fight Club.

Films to be viewed during course: Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Donnie Darko, Elephant, In this World, Saved, Dogma, Kill Bill 2.

Baker, Jonny & Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative Worship. SPCK, 2003.

Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.

Lynch, Gordon. After Religion. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002.

Ward, Peter. Liquid Church. Paternoster Press, 2002.

1. Viewing and journaling on films, due at the end of the two-week session (20%).

2. Three two-page book reviews on Jones, Ward, and Anker, due on days 4, 6, and 9 (30%).

3. A twelve- to fifteen-page paper rooted in field research on one of 10 topics covered in the course (one per day). Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will study three films (guidelines will be given in class) and include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry (e.g. a Sunday school series, a sermon). Due September 8 (50%).