RS 350: Special Topics- Christianity in Film
Syllabus- Spring 2003
M/F 11:30-12:20 pm
SE 113
W 6:30 pm->
SCI 111
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Instructor: |
Raymond A. Patterson |
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Office: |
JE 148 |
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Phone: |
ex. 2427 |
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E-mail: |
rpatterson@smcvt.edu |
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Web Page: |
http://academics.smcvt.edu/rpatterson |
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Office Hours: |
M Tu |
10-11 am |
Course Description
RS 350: Christianity in Film is an examination of the treatment accorded to the Christian tradition by the film industry. The course will attempt to identify common themes and biases when representing Christianity in film, as well as the unique perspective on the Christian message that only film can bring. The course is divided into three major segments:
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1) |
Films devoted to Jesus |
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2) |
Films that reflect aspects of the Catholic cosmology, including the themes of martyrdom, mission, the religious life, and the sacraments |
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3) |
Films that reflect aspects of the Protestant cosmology, including charismatic experience, revivalism, apocalyptic expectation, and evangelical Christianity |
Required Texts:
Students should have access to a Bible. I’ll be using the New American Bible, but other versions are acceptable. The texts for the class, available at the bookstore, are:
Tautm, W. Barnes. Jesus at the Movies. Santa Rosa, CA: Polebridge Press, 1997.
Other readings will be made available on Reserve or through the Internet. Students should search the library catalog for the reserve readings, which are organized by the title of the articles listed under my name. Select the title to see the folder number of the article. Please do not mark the Reserve readings when taking notes.
Class Requirements:
Regular attendance is expected of all students. If a student is unable to attend class, he or she should notify the instructor. More than one absence without the instructor’s permission will negatively impact the final grade. Frequent absences will result in a failing grade.
Students should be on time for class. Arriving late or leaving during the class period can be disruptive for the instructor and other members of the class. Excessive tardiness will be reflected in a lower grade for class attendance.
Students will be evaluated on the following course work:
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Mid-term Take-Home Exam |
30% |
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Final Take Home Exam |
30% |
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Two 3 page Film Critiques |
20% |
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Class Participation/Weekly Reflection Papers |
20% |
Each week the class will be several reflection questions for viewing the film shown on Wednesday night. Each student should turn in their answers to my office (JE 148) by
9 am every Friday. Students should bring their own copy of their answers to class on Friday for the discussion section.
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy established by St. Michael’s College and distributed to all students.
Class Schedule
(The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule. Students will be notified in class of any changes.)
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January 13 |
Class Requirements Introduction-Christianity and Film Theme: Jesus Movies- The Standards |
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January 15 |
Film: The Gospel According to St. Matthew Reading: Jesus at the Movies 1-19, 103-115. |
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January 17 |
Discussion |
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January 20 |
Theme: Jesus Movies- The Controversial Films Reading: Jesus at the Movies 161-188. |
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January 22 |
Film: Jesus of Montreal |
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January 24 |
Discussion |
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January 27 |
Theme: Jesus Movies: The Musicals Reading: Jesus at the Movies 117-133 |
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January 29 |
Films: 6:30 pm Godspell |
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January 31 |
Discussion |
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February 2 |
Film: Life of Brian |
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February 3 |
Theme: The Catholic Cosmology |
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February 5 |
Film: The Seventh Seal
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February 7 |
Discussion |
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February 10 |
Theme: Martyrdom |
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February 12 |
Film: 6:30 pm A Man for All Seasons |
| February 13 | Film: 7 pm The Passion of Joan of Arc |
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February 14 |
Discussion |
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February 17 |
Theme: Missions
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February 19 |
Film: The Mission
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February 21 |
Discussion |
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March 3 |
Theme: Catholic Clergy |
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March 5 |
Film: Going My Way |
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March 7 |
Discussion Take-Home Exam Due |
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March 9 |
Film: Mean Streets |
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March 10 |
Theme: Religious Life
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March 12 |
Film: Agnes of God
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March 14 |
Discussion
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March 17 |
Theme: Eucharistic Theology
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March 19 |
Film: Babette’s Feast
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March 21 |
Discussion
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March 24 |
Theme: The Protestant Cosmology
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March 26 |
Film: Ordet
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March 28 |
Discussion
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March 31 |
Theme: African-American Experience
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April 2 |
Film: 6:30 Hallelujah!
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April 4 |
Discussion
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April 7 |
Theme: Revivalism
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April 9 |
Film: Elmer Gantry
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April 11 |
Discussion
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April 14 |
Theme: Apocalyptic Expectation Film Review #2 Due |
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April 16 |
Film: The Rapture |
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April 18 |
Good Friday |
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April 21
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Easter Monday |
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April 23 |
Film: The Apostle |
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April 25 |
Discussion
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April 28 |
Theme: Christian Parody
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April 30 |
Optional Film: Dogma Take-Home Final Due |