Summer 2015/Pasadena

TC531

Taylor

TC531: POSTMODERN THEOLOGY, FILM AND YOUTH CULTURE (4 Units: 162 Hours). Barry Taylor.

DESCRIPTION: The course will engage the results of the postmodern shift 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.

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

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. During each session, students will (1) discuss the film(s); (2) grapple with the filmmaker’s intent; and (3) utilize various critical film theories; and (4) consider possible theological responses.

REQUIRED READING: 1,466 total number of pages required and 9 movies.

Anker, Roy M. Catching Light: Looking for God in the Movies. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 978-0802827951, Pub. Price $30.00 [412 pp.].

Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801024177, Pub. Price $28.00 [352 pp.].

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 978-0310238171, Pub. Price $19.99 [240 pp.].

Quart, Alissa. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Basic Books, 2004. ISBN: 978-0738208626, Pub. Price $15.95 [272 pp.].

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-1405874090, Pub. Price $42.33 [280 pp.].

Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0521793957, $31.99 [312 pp.].

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997. ISBN: 978-0631201410, Pub. Price $72.95 [420 pp.].

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

Films to be viewed during course: The Fountain, Josie and the Pussycats, Donnie Darko, In this World, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix Reloaded, Memento, Saved, Spirited Away, Thirteen. PLEASE NOTE: FILM VIEWING MAY BE ADJUSTED WITH CLASS ENROLLMENT AND GLOBAL CONTEXTS.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1,466 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [62 hours].

  2. Viewing and journaling (1 page, double spaced) on films and class participation (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [30 hours].

  3. Quiz on Quart: Branded (5%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [1 hour].

  4. Quiz on Detweiler/Taylor: Matrix (5%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4] [1 hour].

  5. 2 or 3 page reflection paper on youth culture (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,3,4] [3 hours].

  6. 4-page reflection paper on one of the films covered in class material that encourages Gospel demonstration and articulation (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4] [10 hours preparing and writing].

  7. A ten-page paper covering one of the topics examined in the class. The paper will be divided in three sections: Section One will examine the problem the student wishes to address work, offering critique and interaction. Section Two will determine the socio-cultural contexts regarding the topic chosen. Section Three will examine and respond to the theological issues raised by the subject matter (35%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4] [20 hours, preparing and writing].

  8. Class participation [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C2 or C3 or TH5 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the culture requirement in Cultural Literacy for MA programs (CULT); meets the MACL in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL). Option to count in the Theology and Arts; Worship and Music Ministry; Worship, Theology and the Arts; and Youth, Family, and Culture Emphases.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

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