Film and Religion

About this course

This introductory film studies course considers cinema’s relationship with religion and the spiritual, including how moving images represent theological ideas and subjects such as faith, grace, enlightenment and the afterlife. Films connected with Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism are examined alongside the aesthetic and ethical issues involved in representing religious traditions. Teaching combines illustrated lectures, group discussion and close analysis of films and clips. Sessions also consider whether cinema can do more than communicate religious stories, and whether its visual form can evoke or represent spiritual experience.

What you'll learn

• Identify religious themes and theological archetypes in a range of films
• Discuss connections between cinematic aesthetics and spiritual experience
• Evaluate representations of different religious traditions in global cinema
• Analyse how films attempt to depict the divine

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners approaching film, theology or cultural studies from any educational, cultural or religious background. No particular religious affiliation or prior theological knowledge is expected, and discussion welcomes perspectives from people of faith and those with none.

• Designed for learners with an interest in film, theology or cultural studies
• Participation includes weekly group discussions
• No formal assessment is specified

Before you go

• A suggested reading list and selection of films are provided for optional use between sessions.
• There are no core course texts.