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.

Postmodern ministry must engage audiences barraged by electronic overload and largely cut off from traditional, Biblical understandings of God. This course will sharpen the skills of tomorrow's ministers in analyzing culture, "reading" a film, and forging theological responses. Special emphasis will be given to recent movies, particularly the edgy, spiritually-charged visions of emerging filmmakers.

Through viewing of selected films, interactive discussion, and class lectures, students will (1) understand the relationship 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.

The class will be conducted on the Internet using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week, students and the instructor will interact with the material and each other through journaling, threaded discussions, and web-based research. Lectures for each lesson will be available online.

Anker, Roy M. Catching Light: Looking for God in the Movies. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 9780802827951, $20.00.

Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003. ISBN: 080102417X, $28.00.

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 031023817X, $19.99.

Quart, Alissa. Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Basic Books, 2003. ISBN: 978073828626, $15.95.

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 1999. ISBN: 1405874090, $35.60.

Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2003. ISBN: 0521793955, $29.99.

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997. ISBN: 06312901410, $66.95.

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.

1. Weekly threaded discussions (25%) and journaling (10%).

2. Two three-page, typed and double-spaced book reviews from the required reading list (10%).

3. One two-page, typed and double-spaced book review from the recommended reading list (5%).

4. A final paper, fifteen to twenty pages in length on a topic to be approved by the class instructor, related to issues raised by class material. Topics need to be discussed and approved by class instructor by Week 4 of class schedule (50%).