DESCRIPTION:

The course will engage postmodernity 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.

Interactive. The class will meet weekly, for three and a half-hour sessions. One or two films will be viewed prior to the class session. During each session, students will (1) discuss the film(s); (2) grapple with the filmmaker's intent; (3) utilize various critical film theories; and (4) consider possible theological responses.

David, Bruce and Jeffrey A. Mahan. Religion and Popular Culture in America. University of California Press, 2000.

Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003.

Gabler, Neil. Life: The Movie. Knopf, 1998.

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000.

Thomlinson, Dave. The Post Evangelical. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997.

REQUIRED VIEWING:

Film to be viewed prior to the first class: Fight Club.

Films to be viewed during course: Memento, Being John Malkovich, Pi, Thirteen, Save the Last Dance for me, George Washington, Donnie Darko, Bruce Almighty, Omega Code, Spirited Away, The Matrix Reloaded, Dogma.

Ward, Peter. Liquid Church. Paternoster Press, 2002.

Baker, Jonny and Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative Worship. SPCK, 2003.

Lynch, Gordon. After Religion. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002.

Grenz, Stanley. A Primer on Postmodernism. Eerdmans, 1995.

1. Viewing and journaling in films. (20%)

2. Three two-page book reviews on Jones, Ward, and David. (30%)

3. A twelve to fifteen page paper rooted in field research on one of ten topics covered in the course (one per week). Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will study 3 films (guidelines will be given in class) and include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry. (e.g. a Sunday school series, a sermon). (50%)

M.Div. elective. Fulfills the M.A.T. in Theology & Arts format requirement in Integrative studies. Meets the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).