ENG 1220
Film and Faith
Jeffrey Overstreet
MW 6:00–8:00 p.m.
When we hear the words "film" and "faith" in close proximity, we might think of preachy, mediocre "Christian movies." Or, we might think of allegorical games like "Find the Christ figure in Iron Man." In this class, we take a very different approach. We are more interested in discovering and practicing what it means to see, interpret, and discuss art — specifically, cinema from all kinds of artists across the globe. We will study the complex and troubled history of the Christian church's relationship with visual art. We will study both the craft of filmmaking (from writing to editing to mise-en-scène). And we will discover how a "theology of incarnation" sets us free to discover God at work in creativity from different cultures, different religions, and different worldviews, which makes possible a transformative experience of discovery and empathy.
This class will require film viewing in class and outside of class (via streaming services). We will focus our class time together on discussing the assigned texts and films. For the two-part "final," each student will compose a personal essay detailing a faith-focused interpretation of the movie of their choice; and they will also complete a take-home final, answering questions with short-essay responses. Key texts are likely to include Reel Spirituality, by Robert Johnston and Catherine Barsotti; Visual Faith, by William Dyrness; God in the Movies, edited by Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston; Movies are Prayers, by Josh Larsen; and Through a Screen Darkly, by Jeffrey Overstreet. (Only two of those books will be required purchases for students.) This course often welcomes other SPU faculty as special guests for interdisciplinary appreciation of cinema. On occasion, filmmakers make guest appearances as well. Past guests have included directors Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) and Lee Isaac Chung (Minari).