Fall 2014/Pasadena
TC512
Taylor
TC512: THEOLOGY AND MEDIA CULTURE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Barry Taylor.
DESCRIPTION: The course will investigate a theology of culture by focusing on a particular area: theology and media culture, with an emphasis on television and new social media. The course will (1) view, discuss and analyze various forms of mass media (2) examine its affects upon culture, (3) provide the student methodological perspectives for engaging culture drawn from the fields of cultural studies, social sciences and anthropology (4) explore theological and biblical responses and perspectives on media culture and (5) provide contextual approaches for engagement between church and culture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through examination and investigation of seminal television shows and various aspects of social media, combined with an introduction to visual media literacy, interactive discussion, and class lectures, students will (1) gain a broad understanding of both the structure and social contexts of visual media; (2) be equipped to engage theologically with the most influential components of contemporary culture; (3) understand the ways in which television and media culture influences and shapes our social contexts.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours. Classes will be divided between lecture and interactive discussion, combined with multimedia approaches to understanding media culture.
REQUIRED READING: 1,440 pp. required.
Brewin, Kester. Other: Loving Self, God and Neighbor in a World of Fractures. Hodder & Stoughton, 2010. ISBN: 978-0340996423, Pub. Price $18.99 [256 pp.].
Castells, Manuel. Communication Power. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0199567041, Pub. Price $34.95 [350 pp.].
Lynch, Gordon. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture. Wiley, 2005. ISBN: 978-1405117487, Pub. Price $36.95 [254 pp.].
McLuhan, Eric. The Essential McLuhan. Basic Books, 1996. ISBN: 978-0465019953, Pub. Price $23.50 [240 pp.].
Zengotita, Thomas de. Mediated: How Media Shapes the World around You. Bloomsbury, 2005. ISBN: 978-1596910324, Pub. Price $14.95 [304 pp.].
* Viewing a selection of television shows and programs, spanning the history of the medium, will be a required part of the curriculum (guidelines for this will be presented in class).
ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT:
1,440 pp. of required reading [72 hours].
Three two-page reviews: one book review, one media review, one television review. Specifics for assignment will be given in class (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2 & 3]. [8 hours].
DLAs: A weekly journal chronicling personal reflection and class-directed responses to viewing material (35%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, & 3]. [30 hours].
A ten-page paper rooted in field research on one of the television genres covered in the course. Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will study specific television shows (guidelines will be given in class) and include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry (35%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, & 3]. [20 hours preparing and writing].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH5 or C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Option to count in the Theology and Arts emphasis, Worship and Music Ministry emphasis, and Worship, Theology and the Arts emphasis.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.