MP536/636: The Spiritual Journey of U2 (4 units)

Ryan K. Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture
Barry Taylor, Adjunct Instructor in Contemporary Culture

Spring 2006 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

Arguably the world's most popular rock band, U2 is also one of the most vocal about issues of faith and social justice. The class will explore the career and spiritual journey of U2, from their emergence from the Shalom Christian Fellowship in Dublin to their recent “Vertigo” tour. The questions and controversy surrounding the religious themes inherent in their music -- their break with the church and their current commitment to faith and relief efforts in Africa -- will be assessed through the lenses of cultural studies, pop music analysis, social movement theory, and biographical theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete this course will have

• Identified and analyzed rock music in terms of themes.
• Critiqued the religious and theological themes embedded in this musical literature.
• Evaluated the contribution of this music to Christian witness in contemporary culture.
• Participated in social justice work such as Drop the Debt, Aids Africa, etc.

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will meet twice a week, one and a half hours per session, for ten weeks. The class will be lecture driven with ample use of media. Classwork will involve engagement with the recordings and social action of U2 along with collaborative works, as well as video and movies related to the band. Required readings and outside activities will also form an integral part of class discussion.

REQUIRED READING: Student will read 1000 pages from the selected books. It is recommended that the books be read before class begins. If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text approved by the instructor.

Assayas, Michka. Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas. Riverhead, 2005.
Ghosh, Jayati, et al. HIV and AIDs in Africa: Beyond Epidemiology. Blackwell, 2003.
Maynard, Beth, editor. Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog. Cowley, 2003.
Scharen, Christian, One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God. Baker Books, 2006.
Scrimgeour, Diana. U2 Show. Riverhead, 2004.
Stokes, Niall. U2: Into the Heart: The Stories Behind Every Song. Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2005.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Students will complete a 1000 word review of any U2 recording.
2. Students will complete a 1000 word review of any required book.
3. Students will participate in a social activist group advocated by U2.
4. Students will create a blog reporting on their experiences as social activists as well as their spiritual activities for the quarter. They will also participate in a class ‘wiki’ and a podcast.
5. Students will research and write a paper (3000 words) on issues and interests raised by the class.

Grading will be based on 40% class, blog, wiki, and podcast participation, 20% reading reports, and 40% final paper.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: January 23, 2006