DESCRIPTION:

This course will consider one particular aspect of a theology of culture: theology and film. The course will (1) view and discuss selected films; (2) provide the student critical skills helpful for film interpretation; and (3) explore possible theological approaches to film criticism. It will also (4) consider how both history and the novel are portrayed in film.

Preparation for ministry too often assumes students possess skills in cultural analysis and interaction. This course will help students to see western "culture" by providing a critical and theological framework for viewing its cinema. While such cultural engagement is not sufficient for effective ministry, it is supportive of, if not necessary for it.

Discussion and lecture. The class will meet one evening per week. One film will be viewed prior to the class session. In class each week students will (1) discuss the film; (2) consider a variety of aspects concerning the nature of film; and (3) consider different approaches to film and/or theological criticism of film. Occasional outside resource persons will be used.

• Around a dozen films, including participation in The City of Angels Film Festival, October 17-20.

• The following texts:

Boorstin, Jon. Making Movies Work. Silman-James Press, 1995.

May, John and Michael Bird, eds. Religion in Film. University of Tennessee Press, 1982.

Scott, Bernard. Hollywood Dreams and Biblical Stories. Fortress Press, 1994.

• Selected critical essays.

1. Viewing and journaling about selected films

2. Attendance at four films during the film festival.

3. Five to seven page paper on the student's critical approach to a theology of film

4. Eight to ten page paper on a film/films making use (1) of one of the critical approaches to film offered in the class and (2) of one's theological method.

None.

M. Div. and M.A. Elective; meets the interdisciplinary course requirement for the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies.

None.