THEO3441: RELIGION AND FILM

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• 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.

• 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. It seeks to foster a variety of disciplinary approaches (for example, philosophical or sociological as well as theological).
• The first section of the module introduces key concepts in film studies and in the study of religion and film, including issues such as the portrayal of the divine or the transcendent in film.
• 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, environmentalism and religion, 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 Hollywoods classical era, such as Its 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.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A systematic understanding and a coherent and detailed knowledge of key concepts for the analysis of cinematic narratives.
• an awareness of differing approaches to the study of religion and film.
• A coherent and detailed 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.

Subject-specific Skills:

• 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.

Key Skills:

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving, applying previous academic experience and knowledge to new contexts and challenges.

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop knowledge and a clear understanding of the subject, and to improve their skills in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches, and enhancing skills in the analysis of texts, concepts and arguments.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form. Students will have opportunities to discuss their summative work in advance and receive feedback on their ideas.

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