Summer 2009/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: August 3-14
TC531
Taylor
TC531: POSTMODERN THEOLOGY, FILM, AND YOUTH CULTURE. Barry Taylor.
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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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 processes personally and for
Christian ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: Interactive. The class will meet daily for four-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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) Viewing and journaling on films (20%); Journal
to be handed in Day Ten at the beginning of class. (2) Three two-page book
reviews on Jones, Ward, and Savage (30%); First book review is due Day Four,
final book review is due Day Ten. (3) 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) (50%). Final paper is due by 5pm Friday September 11.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the culture (CULT) requirement in Cultural
Literacy for MA programs. Meets the MAT in Theology & Arts format
requirement in Integrative studies. Meets the MACL in Integrative Studies
requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (4/09)