Fall 2013/Pasadena

TC512

Taylor

TC512: THEOLOGY AND MEDIA CULTURE. Barry Taylor.

DESCRIPTION: The course will investigate visual media culture, with an emphasis on both television and new social media, exploring the theological implications of various forms of mass media upon culture, and in turn seek a theological engagement with the diverse and varied contours of visual media. We live in an age where television is acquiring a renewed influence upon society, and social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook are transforming the way we relate to each other in society. Cable networks, advances in media technology and access are making television a prime location for cultural reflection and impact.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Since the middle of the twentieth century television in particular, and visual media in general, have had an amazing impact on our lives, bringing the world into our living rooms and forever changing the way we view ourselves as human beings. As we entered the twenty-first century a new wave of social media has begun to challenge the ways in which we perceive our humanity and relate to each other. This class will equip those seeking to engage contemporary culture, be it in a pastoral ministry or social setting, by deepening our understanding of the nature of visual media culture and its role in our lives.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through examination and investigation of seminal television shows and various aspects of social media, combined with an introduction to visual media literacy, interactive discussion, and class lectures, students will (1) gain a broad understanding of both the structure and social contexts of visual media; (2) be equipped to engage theologically with the most influential components of contemporary culture; (3) understand the ways in which television and media culture influences and shapes our social contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: Classes will be divided between lecture and interactive discussion, combined with multimedia approaches to understanding media culture. The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Cheong, Pauline Hope, Peter Fischer Nielsen, Stefan Gelfren editors: Digital Religion, Social Media and Culture: Perspectives, Practices and Futures. Lang Publishing, 2012. ISBN: 978-1433114748, Pub. Price, $36.95 [200 pp.].

Jenkins, Henry. Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture. 2nd ed. Routledge U.K., 2012. ISBN: 978-0415533294, Pub. Price $42.95 [200 pp.].

Lynch, Gordon. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture. Wiley, 2005. ISBN: 978-1405117487, Pub. Price $36.95 [236 pp.].

Lovink, Geert. Networks Without A Cause: A Critique of Social Media. Wiley, 2012. ISBN: 978-0745649689, Pub. Price $22.95 [221 pp.].

McLuhan, Eric. The Essential McLuhan. Basic Books, 1996. ISBN: 978-0465019953, Pub. Price $23.50 [416 pp.].

Mittel, Jason. Television and American Culture. Oxford University press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195306675, Pub. Price $54.95 [450 pp.].

* Viewing a selection of television shows and programs, spanning the history of the medium, will be a required part of the curriculum (guidelines for this will be presented in class).