UMS : Unit: DR9303C

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: DR9303C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.	Interpret the principles and the basis of ‘visual literacy’ in an educational and ministerial setting
2.	Explain and establish the elements of ‘visual literacy’: colour, line, medium, mood, gesture, framing, lighting and symbols
3.	Identify the style of the artworks painting in their historical context and background
4.	Articulate the theological and spiritual elements of the artwork within its own historical context
5.	Compare and critique the theology and spirituality of particular artworks in the context of past and present Catholic theology
6.	Analyse the pedagogical and catechetical application of the arts in a theological framework.
7.	Design and undertake a defined research topic relating to the content of this unit in a scholarly, consistent and self-directed manner

Unit sequence

BS8600C and CT8600C 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. 16^th 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 (%)
Essay	1500-word essay comparing two artworks on the same theme by two different artists	1500	20.0
Essay	1000 word essay on one of the themes of the course	1000	20.0
Essay	4500-word essay on a theme relevant to their ministry	4500	60.0

Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2021-07-19 13:49:31 +1000