Spring 2005/Pasadena
WS509
Brewer
WS509: USING MEDIA TECHNOLOGY IN MINISTRY. Mark Brewer.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is designed to introduce students to the range of media
and technological resources that are available as tools for ministry. Students
will learn the proper and effective use of audio and visual systems
(microphones, sound boards, PowerPoint, projection, use of video clips, etc.).
They will also become familiar with online resources (web-pages, email
marketing, video streaming, etc.), satellite and networking systems, and
emerging technologies. Beyond the simple pragmatics of technological
application, the course will guide students in theological reflection on the
gifts and hazards that these new media present for ministry. Issues such as
theological critique of media; purpose and effectiveness of technology in
ministry; liturgical, pedagogical, and musical considerations; and
ecclesiological concerns will be explored. Students will not only gain
familiarity with existing and new media, but will develop a theology relating
to media use in ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- As media and technology pervade present day culture, they
increasingly present themselves as implements for ministry. This course will
teach basic skills regarding media and technology, and provide a basis for
theological judgment regarding media communications in ministry
settings.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet once a week for three-hour sessions. Classes
will involve lecture and demonstration, small group activities and projects,
technical instruction seminars, and field trips to ministry and industry
sites.
REQUIRED READING:
- Andriacco, Dan. Screen Saved: Peril and Promise of Media in
Ministry. Saint Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan, 2001.
- Mitchell, Jolyon and Sophia Marriage. Mediating Religion: Conversations
in Media, Religion & Culture. T. & T. Clark, 2003.
- Schultze, Quentin. High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies
Wisely. Baker Books, 2004.
- Troeger, Thomas H. Ten Strategies for Preaching in a Multimedia
Culture. Abingdon, 1996.
- Wilson, Len. Digital Storytellers: The Art of Communicating the Gospel
in Worship. Abingdon, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Reading of assigned materials and preparation of a 2-3 page reflection
paper on each text.
- Student presentations (and written evaluations) based on theological
critique of the use of media technology at three assigned field trip ministry
sites.
- Attendance at technology seminars (ATC) and the spring Worship Enrichment
Seminar (Brehm Center) and submitting written synopses of these.
- A final project using media in a ministry context, such as designing a
worship service, a retreat, a sermon in which the student demonstrates and/or
describes the use of technology/media and provides theological rationale for
the design.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets the "Media and Ministry" requirement for MA in Worship,
Theology, and the Arts and MDiv concentration in Worship, Theology, and the
Arts degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.