Theology and Religious Education through Art (CT2303C)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit will explore how art has been and remains an integral part of the evangelising and catechising mission of the Church. Through art, the unit will explore essential themes of Catholic theology and scripture, such as: the Trinity, Jesus Christ, Mary, the saints, heaven and hell, the Church, the sacraments, sin and evil, suffering and death, virtues and vices, mission and service.

Participants will explore skills and techniques of ‘visual literacy’ through the examination of the elements of art: colour, line, medium, mood, gesture, framing, lighting and symbols. Students will then be invited to unpack the theological and spiritual elements portrayed through art and compare them with the current teachings of the Catholic Church. In each session, students will explore the pedagogical and catechetical application of the arts for their ministry and mission.

Unit code: CT2303C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Understand the principles and the basis of ‘visual literacy’ in an educational and ministerial setting

2.

Identify the elements of ‘visual literacy’: colour, line, medium, mood, gesture, framing, lighting and symbols
3.

Classify the style of the artworks in their historical context and background
4.

Articulate the theological and spiritual elements of the artwork within its own historical context
5.

Compare the theology and spirituality of particular artworks in the context of past and present Catholic theology
6.

Explain the use of art as a pedagogical and catechetical tool within the students’ ministry of evangelisation and catechesis.

Unit sequence

BS1001C and CT1000C or equivalent

Pedagogy

Learners will engage with lectures, workshops, and facilitated peer discussion.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Beckett, Wendy. 1000 Masterpieces. London: Dorling Kindersley Book, 1999.
  • Crumlin, Rosemary. Beyond Belief: Modern Art and the Religious Imagination. Canberra: National Gallery of Victoria, 1998.
  • Daily, Eileen. Beyond the Written Word: Exploring Faith through Christian Art. Winona: Saint Mary’s Press, 2005.
  • ———. Teaching Guide for Beyond the Written Word: Exploring Faith through Christian Art. Winona: Saint Mary’s Press, 2005.
  • De Rynck, Patrick. How to Read Bible Stories and Myths in Art. New York: Abrams Press, 2008.
  • Drury, John. Painting the Word: Christian Pictures and their Meanings. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002.
  • Exum, J. Cheryl. Art as Biblical Commentary. London: T&T Clark, 2019.
  • Gombrich, Ernst. The Story of Art. 16th ed. London: Phaidon Press, 1995.
  • Keneally, Thomas. Australia: The Development of Australian Art. London: Royal Academy of Arts, 2013.
  • O’Kane, M., ed. Imagine the Bible: An Introduction to Biblical Art. London: SPCK, 2008.
  • Pope John Paul II. Letter to Artists. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1999.
  • Pope Benedict XVI. Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI. Sistine Chapel, 21 November 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Essay

1000-word essay comparing two artworks on the same theme by two different artists

 1000 30.0
Essay

1000 word essay on one of the themes of the course

 1000 20.0
Essay

2000-word essay on a theme relevant to their ministry

 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 19 Jul, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-07-19 13:24:46 +1000