Fall 2017/Online

TC541

Taylor

TC541: THE VOCATION OF AN ARTIST IN BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVE. (4 Units: 160 hours). W. David O. Taylor.

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the student to biblical, theological, historical and contemporary perspectives on the vocation of an artist and offers a vocational model that seeks to encompass a broad range of professions, stations of life and cultural contexts. With this broad perspective in mind, students will explore examples within the arts where artists have expressed their sense of calling; the virtues, practices and spiritual disciplines (both individual and communal) of an artistic vocation; the aesthetic dimension of an artist’s calling; the practical conditions of a flourishing artist; and the mission of a believer artist in light of God’s mission in the world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The basic aim of this course is for students to discern the shape of a flourishing artist. Upon completion of this course, students will: (1) have a working knowledge of biblical, theological and historical models of an artist’s vocation; (2) be able to articulate contemporary understandings of the vocation of an artist as well as “read” works of art in which ideas about the vocation of an artist are expressed; 3) be able to articulate one’s own convictions about an artist’s vocation; and (4) be able to discern the basic shape of ministry to artists.

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: 1,350 pages required.

Course Reader [on eReserves] [375 pp.].

Bayles David and Ted Orland. Art and Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking. Continuum, 1993. ISBN: 978-0961454739, Pub. Price $12.95 [118 pp.].

Currey, Mason. Daily Rituals: How Artists Work. Knopf, 2013. ISBN: 978-0307273604, Pub. Price $24.95 [234 pp.].

EITHER: L’Engle, Madeleine. Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art. Waterbrook Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0877889182, Pub. Price $18.99 [200 pp.]. OR: Anne Lamott. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Anchor Press, 1995. ISBN 978-0385480017, Pub. Price $16.00 [272 pp.]

Taylor, W. David O., ed., For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts. Baker, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801071911, Pub. Price $18.00 [75 pp.].

Wainwright, Geoffrey. For Our Salvation: Two Approaches to the Work of Christ. Eerdmans, 1997. ISBN: 978-0802808462, Pub. Price $22.50 [186 pp.].

Either: one of the following biographies/autobiographies: Frederick Buechner, Now and Then: A Memoir of Vocation; Giorgio Vasari, The Lives of Artists; Flannery O’Connor, Mystery and Manners; or TBD.

Or: one of the following novels: Chaim Potok, My Name is Asher Lev; Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray; Michael Chabon, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay; Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven; Steven Galloway, The Cellist of Sarajevo.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Grading is done on a total point basis, with 100 points total.

1. 1,350 pages of required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1 & 2]. [68 hours].

2. 20 hours with class activities such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, podcasts, artist testimonies, etc. [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1 & 2]. [20 hours].

3. In conversation with Madeleine L’Engle, write an essay in which you examine the ways in which your family, church and society, past and present, have shaped your ideas about art. What attitudes about art were conveyed; what value was placed on it; how was art promoted and practiced; what was assumed; what was said but not done, displayed but not explained. 750-1000 words (5 points; 5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 3]. [5 hours].

4. Ten video posts 2-3 minutes long in response to specific topics of the week (10 Points; 10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2-4]. [1 hour]

5. Five online posts (no more than 500 words) and responses to classmates as outlined in the syllabus (25 Points; 25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2 & 3]. [10 hours].

6. A 750-1,000-word review of Wainwright book (in conversation with the supplemental readings for theological perspectives on vocation of artist) (15 points; 15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2]. [14 hours].

7. Read novel or biography/autobiography and write a 750-1,000-word critical reflection. (15 points; 15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1 & 3]. [10 hours].

8. A 1,000-1,250-word write-up of an interview with an artist. (5 points; 5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1]. [4 hours].

9. In conversation with the work completed in previous assignments, students are to advanced an argument on the vocation of an artist, appealing to specific historical, biblical, theological and contemporary perspectives. 2,500-3,000 words (25 points; 25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 3 & 4]. [28 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None. Auditors will be required to complete all assignments. This way we generate a common vocabulary and grammar of thought as we go along the course.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.