DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to Christian reflection and
practice in the visual arts. The major emphases will be (1) the actual practice
of viewing and making art in the context of prayer and meditation, focusing on
art and character; (2) the historical and theological context of art and faith;
and (3) the role of the arts in the wider community and in worship. By
lectures, discussions, art projects and museum visits, students will engage
with significant examples of art as a way of developing a critical appreciation
and a Christian appropriation of this dimension of life--with respect to its
value for worship and witness.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A major characteristic of the past
half-century is the renewal of Christian worship on the one hand and a major
advance in Christian participation in the visual arts. Christians involved in
ministry will be challenged with integrating the Christian understanding of the
arts and culture into the demands of ministry, especially in the context of
worship and spirituality.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through reading, viewing and discussion of images, museum
visits, and the experience of making art, students will (1) explore and reflect
on the role of the place of the arts in the church; (2) see, experience,
and enjoy the connection between the visual arts and spirituality and worship;
and (3) integrate this with the student's own devotional and worship
practices.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will include brief lectures and discussion that seek
to give students a basic historical and theological orientation. But the focus
will be on engaging works of art and reflecting on them as they relate to the
spiritual and devotional life of the student. Class will meet weekly in
three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: