Fall 2003/Pasadena
ST539
Johnston
ST539: THEOLOGY AND FILM. Robert K. Johnston.
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 and biblical approaches to film
criticism.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- 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
cinema. While such cultural engagement is not sufficient for effective
ministry, it is supportive of, if not necessary for, all aspects of
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Discussion and lecture. The class will meet one evening per week.
One or two films will be assigned prior to the class session along with
supporting reading. During each session, students will typically (1) discuss
the movies, (2) consider aspects of the nature of film and/or theology, (3) use
a selected critical approach to film, and (4) enter into theological criticism
with the film. Occasional outside resource persons will be used.
REQUIRED VIEWING AND READING:
- Thirteen films: Crimes and Misdemeanors; Signs; American Beauty; Run
Lola Run; The Princess and the Warrior; Magnolia; Punch Drunk Love; Election;
About Schmidt; Monster's Ball; plus three City of Angels Film Festival
films. One recommended film: Ikiru.
- Participation in the City of Angels Film Festival, October 23 to 26,
2003.
- The following texts:
- Ecclesiastes.
- Boorstin, Jon. Making Movies Work, Silman-James Press, 1995.
- Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.
- Murphy, R. and E. Huwiler. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.
NIBC 12. Hendrickson, 1999.
- Reading syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Viewing and journaling on selected movies (10%).
- Quiz on Boorstin, Making Movies Work (10%).
- Two-page critical review and questions on Johnston, Reel
Spirituality (15%).
- Five, 1 page critical responses to Useless Beauty chapters plus
three-page critical review (25%)
- Ten-page paper on a film(s) (approved by instructor) bringing the movie(s)
into dialogue with Ecclesiastes, whether letting the film shed light on the
biblical text, using the biblical text to critique the movie, or otherwise
engaging in dialogue (40%).
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- M.Div. and M.A. in Theology elective; meets the M.A.C.L. in
Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.