MP531: Postmodernity, Popular Culture, and the Future Church (4 units)

Barry Taylor, Adjunct Instructor in Postmodernity
Barry Taylor is one of the founders of Sanctuary, an alternative Christian gathering in Santa Monica California, focused on creating dialog and communication with those outside the reaches of more traditional church plants. He is also a singer/songwriter whose work has been used in movie soundtracks. He is currently working on a book about Popular Culture and Theology.
Summer 2003 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

The last few decades have witnessed many radical changes in every aspect of our existence. The emergence of postmodernity has called into question many traditional ideas and ways of living. The church is faced with new challenges to its own expansion and existence in the current climate. By examining the relationship between postmodernity, popular culture, and Christianity, this course explores new ways of being church which are true to the postmodern context. Popular culture as a primary vehicle for understanding postmodern values and ideas, particularly about religion, is outlined as a means by which the church can create new forms of communication and evangelism. The course explores strategies to address the challenge of revitalization of the local church and its outreach to those who are seeking God but are marginalized from the church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

 

COURSE FORMAT:

The course utilizes a multi-media, lecture-driven format, with ample time for class discussion, group interaction, and the opportunity for contextualization of the concepts presented to the mission situations represented by attending students.

REQUIRED READING: If you have read any of the required texts for another course, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Bauman, Zygmunt. Liquid Modernity. United Kingdom: Polity Press, 2000.
Beaudoin, Tom. Virtual Faith. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998.
Drane, John. The McDonaldization of the Church. United Kingdom: DLT, 2000.
Fox, Matthew. Confessions: The Making of a Post-Denominational Priest. Harper San Francisco, 1997.
Heyward, Carter. Saving Jesus. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1999.
Kellner, Douglas. Media Culture. London: Routledge, 1995.
McRobbie, Angela. Postmodernism and Popular Culture. London: Routledge, 1994.
Redfield, James. The Celestine Prophecy. Warner Books, 1993.
Tickle, Phyllis A. God-Talk in America. New York: Crossroads, 1997.

REQUIRED VIEWING:

Universal Pictures. Waterworld. 1995.
Warner Pictures. Run Lola Run, 1996.
Universal Pictures. Fight Club. 1999.
Fox. Moulin Rouge. 2001.

REQUIRED LISTENING:

Radiohead: Kid A.
U2: All That You Can't Leave Behind.

ASSIGNMENTS:

A 500 word typed, double-spaced music review for one of the music requirements.
A 500 word typed, double-spaced film review for one of the required films.
A 3750 word typed, double-spaced paper applying the content of the course to a specific ministry context, OR A film/video or art project to be outlined in class.

ThM. students will have to write a 5000 to 6250 word paper and one additional film or music review.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: SWM Elective. SOP meets interdisciplinary requirement

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

Last Date Edited: March 20, 2003