Module THEO3441: RELIGION AND FILM

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3441: RELIGION AND FILM

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• to introduce key ideas in film studies and in the study of religion and film
• to examine the treatment of religious motifs in specific films and genres
• to explore the significance of film for theology and the study of religion

Content

• This module, which introduces the interdisciplinary study of religion and film, focuses on the treatment of religion and religious motifs - symbols, concepts, narratives, and institutions - in specific films and film genres, and explores the significance of film for critical reflection in theology and the study of religion. The first section of the module introduces key concepts in film studies and in the study of religion and film, and goes on to examine changes in the way in which filmmakers have represented the Church. The second part of the module evaluates the use of religious motifs in a selection of films, identifying the stylistic and thematic characteristics of the films, and assessing their potential for reflection on religious ideas and concerns. These motifs and ideas, which might include the afterlife, angels, creation, freedom, good and evil, miracles, redemption, sacrifice, saints, and sexuality, will vary from year to year, and the films selected for study will vary with them. Since this module is primarily concerned with popular cinema, many of the films will be products of the American film industry, and so might include some films from Hollywood’s classical era, such as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) or Shane (1952), alongside a number of 'post-classical' productions, from The Godfather (1972) to The Matrix (1999) and beyond. Some of the films, however, will be drawn from other cinematic traditions.

Learning Outcomes

• knowledge of key concepts for the analysis of cinematic narratives
• an awareness of differing approaches to the study of religion and film
• knowledge of the stylistic and thematic characteristics of a selection of films
• a critical understanding of the ways in which specific films and genres employ religious motifs

• the ability to deploy key concepts in film studies in the analysis of films
• the ability to identify the ways in which specific films employ religious motifs
• the ability to evaluate specific films and film genres with reference to the critical literature on the study of religion and film
• the ability to comment on the significance of particular films, film genres, and film itself, as a form of popular culture, for theology and the study of religion

• the ability to locate, evaluate, and summarise information drawn from a variety of sources, both in print and online
• the ability to communicate ideas, in a clear, concise, and convincing manner, with reference to appropriate supporting evidence

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The lectures supply a framework of information and interpretation, which gives students an overview of a subject and a point of departure for their work, introducing subject-specific knowledge and demonstrating the use of subject-specific skills.
• The seminars give students an opportunity to present the results of their work, and, in dialogue with one another and with staff, to evaluate these results, promoting the development of subject-specific and key skills.
• The essays require students to investigate particular topics, to present the results of their investigations in a clear and concise manner, and to cite their sources fully, accurately, and consistently, assessing subject-specific knowledge, subject-specific skills, and key skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University