Course Description
Religion in the mass media. Topics may include the coverage of religious issues or events by the news media and the presentation of religious themes or concepts in the entertainment media.
Athena Title
RELIGION & MEDIA
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To enable students to evaluate the presentation of religion and religious topics in the media. 2. To enable students ascertain specific religious motifs in music, literature and film. 3. To ascertain the function of religion in a particular form of the media through viewing, discussion and writing two reflection papers. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
I. Religion and the Formation of Beliefs A. Joseph Campbell on Myth B. Tillich on Faith in Modern Society C. Smith on the Faith of Others II. Religion in the works of Spielberg and Lucas A. The Star Wars triology B. The Indiana Jones triology III. Religion in the News Media A. Newspaper editorials & columns B. News stories in newspapers and news magazines C. Television reporting IV. Summation & Conclusion