Culture and Expressions of Belief (AH8102P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit examines the place of visual culture, text and material artefacts as expressions of belief in the practice of Protestant Christianity. It draws on material objects, visual art and written text to explore ways in which they both reflect, and shape, beliefs and theological positions. Drawing on the socio-cultural and historical context of this material, the unit explores ways in which cultural artefacts and cultural memory can be used to engage with the spiritual lives of culturally diverse people in schools, parishes and the wider community.

Unit code: AH8102P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: History

Delivery Mode: Intensive

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify a range of visual and written texts and artefacts which illuminate diverse theological positions
2.

Apply skills of historical interpretation to a range of primary sources
3.

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural artefacts, identity and belief
4.

Communicate a critical understanding of the significance of socio-cultural and historical context in the church and the academy
5.

Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues associated with the use of culturally significant objects and images

Pedagogy

The unit will draw on social constructivist and experiential learning pedagogies and object based learning frameworks. Text analysis, small group and whole class discussion and activities and direct teaching will be employed as strategies.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Baxandall, Michael. Patterns of Intention: On the Historical Explanation of Pictures. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1985.
  • Burke, Peter. Eyewitnessing: The Uses of Images as Historical Evidence. London: Reaktion Books, 2001.
  • Burritt, Amanda. Visualising Britain’s Holy Land in the Nineteenth Century. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020.
  • Crumlin, Rosemary. Beyond Belief: Modern Art and the Religious Imagination. Melbourne: National Gallery of Victoria, 1998.
  • Hahn, Hans Peter and Weiss, Hadas. Eds. Mobility, Meaning and the Transformations of Things: Shifting Contexts of Material Culture through Time and Space. Universität Frankfurt am Main; Oxford, UK: Oxbow Books, 2013.
  • Jones, Philip. Ochre and Rust: Artefacts and Encounters on Australian Frontiers. Kent Town, S.A: Wakefield Press, 2008.
  • Knappett, Carl. Thinking through Material Culture: An Interdisciplinary Perspective. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2005.
  • Lake, Meredith. The Bible in Australia: A Cultural History. Sydney: NewSouth Publishing, 2018.
  • MacGregor, Neil. Living With the Gods: On Beliefs and Peoples. London: Allen Lane, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Document Study - Source Analysis 2000 35.0
Essay - Research Essay 4000 50.0
Oral Presentation 2000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 12 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-12 16:08:24 +1100