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Taught Postgraduate Modules 2010-2011

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Semester 1

Semester 2

DI5431 Theological Engagements with the Arts: Rationales, Methods and Texts

40 credits

The arts are central to most human cultures, and are widely valued as an important and enriching part of our existence together as creatures in God's world. Today there is a burgeoning interest in the arts among theologians and biblical scholars across the denominational and theological spectrum. But this takes many different forms and proceeds in some rather divergent directions. This module will investigate some basic questions of definition and rationale pertaining to the conversation between theology and the arts. Students will examine a representative selection of different accounts of and approaches taken to the conversation within this inter-disciplinary field, earthing the generalities of theory in continuous attention to particular artistic texts.

Further details on ITIA website.

DI5441 Christian Doctrine and the Arts

40 credits

 

The module uses primarily (but not exclusively) painting to consider the devices employed by artists to convey major doctrinal themes associated with Christ ( divinity, atonement, resurrection, Trinity), the means used by artists to engage the imagination and sympathies of viewers (including use of other figures in the narrative), and the extent to which the artists might be said to be engaging in theological exploration in their own right. While twentieth century art will be given a prominent place, examples will be drawn across two millennia to initiate discussion of some of the factors leading to changes in presentation (cultural as well as theological).

Further details on ITIA website.

DI5442 Religious Experience and Aesthetic Theory

40 credits

 

Claims to religious experience can take many forms. The possibility of its mediation through various artistic media is the subject of this module. Are certain forms of architecture more conducive than others (e.g. Gothic rather than modernist)? Do certain types of music (e.g. Gregorian chant) encourage and others (e.g. pop) inhibit such experience? The module takes four main areas: architecture, painting, music and action (including drama and ballet), and explores the theoretical justifications given for using the media in question to bring (usually) one aspect of divinity to prominence rather than another.

Further details on ITIA website.