DESCRIPTION:

This course will consider one particular aspect of a theology of culture: theology and film. The course will (1) view and discuss selected films, (2) provide the student critical skills helpful for film interpretation, and (3) explore possible theological and biblical approaches to film criticism.

Preparation for ministry too often assumes students possess skills in cultural analysis and interaction. This course will help students to see Western "culture" by providing a critical and theological framework for viewing cinema. While such cultural engagement is not sufficient for effective ministry, it is supportive of, if not necessary for, all aspects of ministry.

Discussion and lecture. The class will meet one evening per week. One or two films will be viewed prior to the class session. During each session, students will typically (1) discuss the movies, (2) consider aspects of the nature of film and/or theology, (3) use a selected critical approach to film, and (4) enter into theological criticism with the film. Occasional outside resource persons will be used.

1. Thirteen films: Crimes and Misdemeanors; Broadway Danny Rose (rec.); American Beauty; Pleasantville (rec.); Run Lola Run; Smoke Signals; Thelma and Louise; Dead Poet's Society; Fearless; The Truman Show (rec.); My Name Is Joe; Magnolia; Nashville; plus three City of Angels Film Festival films.

2. Participation in the City of Angels Film Festival, October 25-28, 2001.

3. The following texts:

Ecclesiastes.

Boorstin, Jon. Making Movies Work, Silman-James Press, 1995.

Jewett, Robert. Saint Paul at the Movies. Eerdmans 1993.

Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.

Murphy, R. and E. Huwiler. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. NIBC 12. Hendrickson, 1999.

Selected critical essays.

1. Viewing and journaling on selected movies (15%).

2. Quiz on Boorstin (10%).

3. Two-page book review of Jewett (10%).

4. Three-page book review and questions on Johnston (15%).

5. Ten-page paper on a film(s) (approved by instructor) bringing the movie(s) into dialogue with Ecclesiastes, whether letting the film shed light on the biblical text, using the biblical text to critique the movie, or otherwise engaging in dialogue (50%).

None.

M.Div. and M.A. in Theology elective; meets the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).

None.