DESCRIPTION: Seeking to introduce students to the theological and social dimensions of the forces that shape contemporary human culture, this 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through viewing of selected films, interactive discussion, and class lectures students will (1) understand the relationship between popular culture, theology, and youth and be able to articulate the presence of God in human culture; (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; (4) be able to critically assess and apply the significance of these process personally and for Christian ministry.

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 equip students with critical perspectives that will sharpen the skills of tomorrow's ministers in analyzing and engaging 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 which expose the viewer to relevant cultural narratives.

COURSE FORMAT: Interactive. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. 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:

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

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

Quart, Alissa, Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers. Persus, 2003.

Savage, John. Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture. Random House, 2007.

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 1998.

Vanhoozer, K., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2003.

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

Films to be viewed: Fight Club, Donnie Darko, Elephant, In this World, Saved, Kill Bill, Napoleon Dynamite, Spiderman.

De Zengotita, Thomas, Mediated. Bloomsbury, 2006.

Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.

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

Ward, Peter. Liquid Church. Paternoster, 2002.