Content

This unit introduces and examines a conversation between the resources of Christian theology and those of the arts, enquiring into the ways that these two fields of human activity both inform and are informed by each other. Students will think through the implications of such for theology, for human artistry and for the shape and content of human vocation.

Unit code: CT9009W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse the respective contributions of theology and the arts to each other’s assumptions and methods.

2.

Describe a range of responses to how theologians and artists have understood each other’s vocations.

3.

Articulate a coherent theological statement on the relationship between theology and the arts.

4.

Exhibit independent and critical responses to both a selection of artworks and to the conversations in which artists and theologians are engaged.

5.

Propose a methodology in which the arts and theology together inform both faith and communal identity

Unit sequence

This unit extends students learning. 48 points, incl. 24 points in CT.

Pedagogy

This unit will involve lectures, seminars, site visits

Indicative Bibliography

  • Begbie, Jeremy, ed. Beholding the Glory: Incarnation through the Arts. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000.
  • Dyrness, William A. Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.
  • Farley, Edward. Faith and Beauty: A Theological Aesthetic. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2001.
  • Goroncy, Jason A., ed. Tikkun Olam – To Mend the World: A Confluence of Theology and the Arts. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2014.
  • Hart, Trevor A. Making Good: Creation, Creativity and Artistry. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2014.
  • Jensen, Robin. The Substance Of Things Seen: Art, Faith and the Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2004.
  • Jones, David Michael. Epoch and Artist: Selected Writings. London: Faber and Faber, 2017.
  • Kidd, Richard, and Graham Sparkes. God and the Art of Seeing: Visual Resources for a Journey of Faith. Regent’s Study Guides. Macon/Oxford: Smyth & Helwys/Regent’s Park College, 2003.
  • Williams, Rowan. Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love. Harrisburg: Morehouse, 2005.
  • Wolterstorff, Nicholas P. Art in Action: Towards a Christian Aesthetic. Carlisle: Solway, 1997.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Seminar or Tutorial

Seminar Paper

1250 20.0
Journal

Journal of Critical Reflections

2000 30.0
Essay

Essay

4500 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 5 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000