Religion in Contemporary American Film

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES RELG 325

Professor:

Dr. Ronald Green       Office: AOC2 332            Phone: 349-2782
           Office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30-9:15 and 10:50-12:05

Course Description:

A critical study of religious beliefs and religious practices as seen through the lens of film. Students will view contemporary American films and film clips through the eyes of religious studies. Through movies, the course examines religion and culture, religious symbols, and the genre of religion and film.

Course Objectives:

In the process of this study, student will come to

1. think critically about representations of religions in film;

2. broaden their understanding of the term “religious” and realize its significance in the plot, narrative, and imagery of films;

3. foster insights into other perspectives through a careful examination of one’s own thinking.

Student Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, students will have

1. demonstrated knowledge of the beliefs, practices, narratives and important persons associated with   
    major religious traditions of the world.

2. expressed themselves on issues concerning representations of religions in film.

3. fostered appreciation of global diversity through understanding how religions contribute to and are
    affected by individual and collective behaviors.

4. gained knowledge of the cultures, languages and social structures of other countries of the world        
    (Goal 5B of the CCU Core Curriculum).

Required Texts:

The reading materials for our course consists entirely of academic articles available at the following internet sites plus two handouts. (See Schedule of Courses below for specific readings.)

• The Journal of Religion and Film http://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/jrf/
• IMDb, Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/
• Roger Ebert Film Reviews http://www.suntimes.com/index/ebert.html

Grading:

1. Three Tests and a Final Examination

There will be three tests and a final examination (see Schedule of Classes below for dates). Each if these is worth 20% of the final grade for the term. The Final Examination will be the same format and length as the three tests. Each of these (including the Final) will be on of the four sections of the course, as listed below. The tests and the final exam will consist of thirty questions. Twenty of these will be multiple choice and ten will be short answer. The short answer questions will be grade on the basis of how well the student demostrates familiarity with the readings and films as well the quality/depth of independent reflection on these.

2. In-class Group Presentation

The class will be divide into groups of between three and five students for the purpose of group presentations. Eight films will be shown in this class and each group should choose one of these films, not to be duplicated by another group. The group presentation is worth 20% of the final grade for the term. All students in the group will receive the same grade, unless a problem student is identified within the group. Groups will have an entire 50-minute class session to present. Group members may decide among themselves what portion of the session should be used for the presentation and how best to present. Presentations should include the following content but do not have to be limit to this.

		a.   A summary or in-depth treatment of the religion under consideration or some aspect of it.
		b.   A summary or in-depth treatment of the film under consideraton in terms of the religion.
		c.   An analysis/critique of the film in terms of representations of religion.
		d.   A reflection on representations of relgion/s in the film, for example, what it could have done better.

  Note: Students may use the assigned readings and/or other academic sources to facilitate their presentation.

According to the above two points, grading for the course may be summarized as follows:

Final Examination: Friday, December 9, 11:00 in our regular classroom

*Attendence Policy: Students who miss 25% of classes (excused or unexcused) will receive a grade of 'F' for the term.

Schedule of Classes:

Monday, August 22: Introductory meeting: What are we doing in this course and why. Methodological and other issues in this course.

Contact information:

Ronald S. Green
office: AOC2 332           
           office hours:  Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30-9:15 and 10:50-12:05 (Stop by. Have some tea!)

phone: 349-2782

email: rgreen@coastal.edu

webpage: http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/