Summer 2017/Pasadena

TC531

Taylor

TC531: POSTMODERN THEOLOGY, FILM AND YOUTH CULTURE (4 Units: 164 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) be able to articulate the relationship between popular culture, theology, and youth; (2) evaluate the contours of postmodern theology and its intersections with youth culture and needs; and (3) be able to name the dynamics affecting contemporary ministry and the relationship of the Gospel and its proclamation in contemporary cultures.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets daily for four-hour sessions as a two-week intensive 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 $36.50 [212 pp. assigned].

Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801024177, Pub. Price $30.00 [352 pp.].

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 978-0310238171, Pub. Price $19.99 [140 pp. assigned].

Quart, Alissa. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Basic Books, 2004. ISBN: 978-0738208626, Pub. Price $15.95 [122 pp. assigned].

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1138811034, Pub. Price $62.95 [140 pp. assigned].

Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0521793957, $35.99 [162 pp. assigned].

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997. ISBN: 978-0631201410, Pub. Price $78.95 [338 pp. assigned].

Films to be viewed during course: Fight Club, 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] [64 hours].

  2. Viewing and journaling (1 page, double spaced) on films and class participation (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [26 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. 3-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] [9 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 [40 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; and Worship, Theology and the Arts 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.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.