Summer 2006/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: July 31-August 11
TC531
Taylor
TC531: POSTMODERN THEOLOGY, FILM, AND YOUTH CULTURE. Barry Taylor.
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.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: 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; (3) be able to appreciate the dynamics affecting contemporary ministry
today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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.
COURSE FORMAT: Interactive. The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions
for two weeks. 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.
REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING:
- Anker, Roy M. Catching Light; Looking for God in the Movies.
Eerdmans, 2004.
- Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker,
2003.
- Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000.
- Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader.
University of Georgia Press, 1998.
- Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern
Theology. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2003.
- Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997.
- Film to be viewed prior to the first class if possible:
Fight Club.
- Films to be viewed during course: Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the
Spotless Mind, Donnie Darko, Elephant, In this World, Saved, Dogma, Kill Bill
2.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Baker, Jonny & Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative
Worship. SPCK, 2003.
- Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.
- Lynch, Gordon. After Religion. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002.
- Ward, Peter. Liquid Church. Paternoster Press, 2002.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Viewing and journaling on films, due at the end of the two-week session
(20%).
- Three two-page book reviews on Jones, Ward, and Anker, due on days 4, 6,
and 9 (30%).
- A twelve- to fifteen-page paper rooted in field research on one of 10
topics covered in the course (one per day). Papers will forge a theological
response to the research gathered. Students will study three 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). Due September
8 (50%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MDiv elective. Fulfills the MAT in Theology &
Arts format requirement in Integrative studies. Meets the MACL in Integrative
Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.