This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand and evaluate the range of models by which film and religion may be employed as conversation partners and to provide them with the tools necessary for exploring critical links between theology/religious studies and the medium of film. The course will begin with an examination of the methodological, conceptual and disciplinary issues that arise before exploring in critical depth the historical relationship between religion and film, with specific reference to the reception (ranging from prohibition to utilisation) of film by different religious groups. There will be a focus on particular categories of film and categories and models of religious and theological understanding, allowing students taking this module to develop the critical skills helpful for film interpretation and for exploring possible religious and theological approaches to film criticism.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Essay (5,000 words) – 60%
Film Interpretation (2,500 words) – 30%
Presentation (15 minutes) – 10%
Indicative reading:
Deacy, C. (2001), Screen Christologies: Redemption and the Medium of Film, Cardiff: University of Wales Press
Deacy, C. & Ortiz, G. (2008), Theology and Film: Challenging the Sacred/Secular Divide, Oxford: Blackwell
Lyden, J. (ed.), (2009), The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film, London & New York: Routledge, 2009.
Marsh, C. & Oritz, G. (eds.), (1997), Explorations in Theology and Film: Movies and Meaning, Oxford: Blackwell
Marsh, C. (2004), Cinema and Sentiment: Film's Challenge to Theology, Carlisle: Paternoster Press
Mitchell, J. & Plate, S. Brent, (2007), The Film and Religion Reader, London and New York: Routledge
Wright, M.J. (2007), Religion and Film: An Introduction, London: I.B. Taurus
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module Level 5 students will be able to:
- Evaluate the manner and extent to which the medium of film might be used to facilitate, advance and critique religious and theological enquiry and debate;
- Recognise the pervasiveness of theological themes in the medium of film;
- Investigate a particular aspect of religion and film in more depth.
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