Theology and the Arts

THL256

This subject addresses the role of the arts as integral to Christian theology and life, both in classical and popular understanding, by exploring the ways in which theology, the arts and film mutually interpret each other to give a broader understanding of human life and of God. Attention is given to the role in theology, worship, and discipleship of the verbal, visual, performing and fine arts. Selected genres including, for example, literature, poetry, painting, sculpture, music, dance/mime, drama/theatre, architecture, photography and film are addressed in-depth. The relationships between aesthetics and religious experience in the context of worship and discipleship, and the role of media and culture in the Christian Church will also be addressed.

NOTE: The correct code fore this subject is THL256. THL322 was the previous code and CSU forgot to tell us that it had changed!

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Offered Semester 2 every even year

Subject Points

8

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

On site at St Francis College Milton; or Externally – log in to listen and participate or view the lecture via video later.

Prerequisites

THL115 and THL120 (Recommended)

Theology and the Arts: Encountering God through Music, Art and Rhetoric. / Richard Viladesau, 2000. New York: Paulist Press [ISBN: 9780809139279]

The year of publication and ISBN given corresponds to the copy placed in Closed Reserve at the Roscoe Library; there may be other valid ISBNs that differ because of a different publisher or format. Please contact your lecturer or the Roscoe Library staff to confirm text before purchasing. If purchasing, we recommend that you use booko.com.au.

Prescribed Texts

  1. 2 x Response/Reflection Papers 30%

  2. Subject Forum Participation 20%

  3. Essay/Project 50%

Assessments

Content

This subject will cover the following topics:

  • Culture, Christianity and the Arts

  • Theological and methodological considerations

  • Aesthetics and religious experience

  • The church and the arts

  • Architecture: Memorials and worship spaces

  • Music

  • Photography

  • Drama, mime, dance and movement

  • The visual arts

  • The verbal and literary arts

  • Theology and Film

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between aesthetics and religious experience in the context of worship and discipleship

  • be able to develop and use artistic resources in the planning and coordination of a worship activity

  • be able to discuss critically the use of various artistic media in the history of Christianity

  • be able to discuss critically the relationship between film, theology and culture

  • demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills