Theology and Film (AR9209A)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will explore the vibrant scholarly field that emerges from the interplay between cinema studies and theology. This unit will explore how cinematography mediates theology and how it represents and interprets Jesus Christ and his life, as well as Christ-like figures.

Unit code: AR9209A

Unit status: Archived (Minor revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Religious Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Understand and explain the relationship between cinema studies and theology
2.

Analyse theological motifs of a specific film, and technical modes of their articulation

3.

Conduct an independent research project and engage critically with literature relevant to the study of interplay between theology and motion picture
4.

Critically evaluate specific films in their attempt to articulate theology

5.

Apply elements of the modern cinematography to ministry

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

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Critical Review 2000 30.0
Report 2500 35.0
Essay 2500 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 6 Sep, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-11-16 17:05:08 +1100