Theology and Film (AR2209A)

Content

This unit will explore vibrant scholarly field that emerges from interplay between cinema studies and theology. Students will gain basic tools that will enable them in further critical exploration of the links between theology and motion picture. The unit will introduce methodological issues related the field of studies, while modern films will be introduced and analyzed. The main themes that will be treated include: Faith, God, Jesus Christ, Church and Eschatology. The main question that will be raised during the unit is how movies mediate theology, particularly how modern cinematography represents and interprets Jesus Christ and his life, as well as Christ-like figures.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

The unit will engage students in analysis and theological reflection through the presentation of lectures, readings and engaging discussion

Indicative Bibliography

• Barsam, Richard Meran and Monahan, Dave. Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2010.
• Baugh, Lloyd. Imaging the Divine: Jesus and Christ-figures in Film. Lanham: Sheed and Ward, 1997.
• Bergesen, Albert and Greeley, Andrew. God in the Movies. New Brunswick: Transaction Publisher, 2000.
• Corrigan.T., White.P & Mazaj.M. Critical visions in film theory: classic and contemporary readings. Bedford. St Martins, 2011
• Deacy, Christopher and Ortiz, Gaye. Theology and Film: Challenging the Sacred/Secular Divide. Oxford: Blackwell, 2008.
• Deacy, Christopher. Screening the Afterlife: Theology, Eschatology and Film. Abingdon: Routledge, 2012.
• Lyden, John (ed.). The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film. London, New York: Routledge, 2009.
• Reinhartz, Adele. Jesus of Hollywood. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Tatum, Bernes W. Jesus at the Movies: A Guide to the First Hundred Years and Beyond (3rd ed.). Salem: Polebridge, 2013.
• Walsh, Richard, G. Reading the Gospels in the Dark: Portrays of Jesus in Film. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2003.
• Wright, Melanie J. Religion and Film: An Introduction. New York: Tauris, 2007.

Assessment