Spring 2020/Fuller Online

NE561

McKeever

NE561: LUKE AND THE AMERICAN ROAD MOVIE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Michael C. McKeever.

DESCRIPTION: This course will pursue an online dialogue between the biblical journey motif in Luke and the American road movie, engaging such shared themes as pilgrimage, dislocation, race, gender, wealth, family, community, and reconciliation. The course will (1) study the chief passages and theological themes found in the extensive journey motif in the Gospel of Luke, (2) view and discuss selected American road movies, (3) facilitate a cultural and theological dialogue between the two, and (4) foster interpretive skills for biblical narrative and contemporary film.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) a basic understanding of the Gospel of Luke; (2) the ability to recognize and explain Luke’s major theological motifs; (3) the ability to recognize and explain recurring American cultural distinctives in American road movies; (4) skill in the interpretation of a Gospel narrative, including close readings of specific passages; (5) skill in the interpretation of contemporary film, including close readings of specific scenes; and (6) the capacity to engage in a critical and theological dialogue between motifs in Luke’s Gospel and American road movies.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: Addresses the MDiv/MAT/MATM PLO that states “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries”. Addresses the MDiv PLO that states “Students will have demonstrated capacities to engage diverse cultural contexts for transformational discipleship, mission, and ministry”. Addresses the MATM/MAT PLOs that state “Students will have demonstrated capacities for historically informed theological and ethical reflection”. Addresses MAICS Area of Interest Class “Students will have demonstrated capacities to pursue vocations that engage the mission of God globally”.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING: 980 pp. required.

NRSV, TNIV or CEB Bible

Green, Joel B. New Testament Theology. The Theology of the Gospel of Luke. Cambridge University Press, 1995. ISBN: 978-0521469326, Pub. Price $31.99 [175 pp.].

Johnston, Robert K., Craig Detweiler, Kutter Callaway. Deep Focus: Film and Theology in Dialogue. Baker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781540960030, Pub. Price $26.99 [272 pp.].

Laderman, David. Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie. University of Texas Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0292747326, Pub. Price $32.95 [180 pp.].

Tannehill, Robert C. “Luke” in Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Abingdon, 1996. ISBN: 978-0687061327, Pub. Price $35.99 [355 pp.].

Films, including The Grapes of Wrath; Easy Rider; Thelma and Louise; Smoke Signals; The Straight Story; Rain Man; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; Road to Perdition; and O Brother Where Art Thou.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Green, Joel B. “The Gospel of Luke” in NICNT. Eerdmans, 1997. ISBN: 978-0802823151, Pub. Price $60.00.

Green, Joel B., and Michael C. McKeever. Luke-Acts and New Testament Historiography. Institute for Biblical Research Bibliographies No. 8. Baker Academic, 1995. ISBN: 978-0801038723, **OUT OF PRINT.

Johnson, Luke T. The Gospel of Luke. Sacra Pagina 3. Michael Glazier; Sacra Pagina edition, 2006. ISBN: 978-0814659663, Pub. Price $39.95.

Marshall, I. Howard. Luke: Historian and Theologian. 3rd ed. IVP Academic, 1998. ISBN: 978-0830815135, Pub. Price $22.00.

Monaco, James. How to Read a Film: Movies, Media, & Beyond. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195321050, Pub. Price $29.95.

Tannehill, R. C. The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. Vol. 1. Fortress, 1991. ISBN: 978-0800625573, Pub. Price $29.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Discussion Groups: Weekly [Posting 250-300 words. Responding 200-250 words] (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-6.] [35 hours].
2. Reading: 880 pages required. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5.] [55 hours].
3. Viewing: 10 Films with written Introductions. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3 & 5.] [20 hours].
4. Interpretative Assignments. 2 papers; 1,000-1,250 words each. (15% each, 30% total). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, & 4.] [20 hours].
5. Final Research Paper [3,000 words] (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-6.] [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: NT500 or NS500 or NS501 and BI500 or NE502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the Biblical Elective Studies requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Option to meet the C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).

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. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.