Film and Apologetics

Film and Apologetics is a course designed so that students may explore the potential of film to communicate the truth of Christianity. The course will enable students to discern worldviews embodied in particular films in order to foster the study of Christian apologetics. The course will also prepare students to expound on Christian truth found within classic films throughout history and into the modern era.

Film and Apologetics is a 32-week course in which students will complete weekly assigned readings, weekly discussion forums, 4 short essays (approx 500-1,000 words each), and a research paper (4,000 words) in which the student analyzes a particular work of art/film from a Christian point of view. Students will also have a live speaking assignment in which they explore the Christian themes or other worldviews within a particular film. Students will attend weekly lectures, post in online discussion forums, and watch assigned pre-recorded lectures as well. Students will also discuss films and worldview topics throughout each week. Students will view a film each week for 32 weeks (there is a Student Film Viewing Guide available which lists all films for parents/students to review). While many films are rated G or PG, there are also some PG-13 films listed (no R films will be viewed in this course). Should there be any film that a parent finds questionable, there will always be substitute films available. No student is ever obligated to watch a film his/her parent finds questionable in content.

Course Objectives:

1. Analyze the importance and the formulation of cinema in history.
2. Understand film styles at work in contemporary cinema.
3. Discuss and present Christian themes and topics within a film through essays and at least one live speech.
4. Conduct research that demonstrates the relevance of film for apologetics today.
5. Understand the relationship between theology and visual aesthetics.

Texts:

• Ken Davis (2013). Secrets of Dynamic Communication. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group. ISBN-13: 978-0849921902.
• Brian Godawa (2009). Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press (2nd ed.). ISBN: 978-0830837137
• Timothy, Corrigan & Patricia White (2012). The Film Experience: An Introduction. Bedford/St. Martin’s (3rd ed.). ISBN: 978-0312681708. This edition is much cheaper than newer editions and is therefore highly recommended.
• Jeffrey Overstreet (2007). Through a Screen Darkly. Ventura, CA: Regal. ISBN: 978-0801018121.
• Robert K. Johnston (2006). Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic (2nd ed.). ISBN: 978-0801031878.
• Ryan S. Topping (2016.) The Elements of Rhetoric: How to Write and Speak Clearly and Persuasively. Kettering, OH: Angelico Press. ISBN: 978-1-62138-196-9.