MFC6172 - Spiritualities, the Sacred and the Screen

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate systematic understanding of concepts of spirituality and the nature of the 'sacred' from a variety of religious, humanistic and secular sources;
(2) demonstrate systematic understanding of how such concepts inform and engage filmmakers,writers and other media producers in their work;
(3) deploy and evaluate relevant concepts in the analysis of a range of contemporary media.

Content:

Concepts of Spirituality and the Sacred Quest is a keystone providing depth of character in screenwriting and programme content generation across all media genres including marketing and advertising campaigns in the global market. The module provides an opportunity to explore a variety of religious and theoretical approaches to understanding such ideas present in movies, television drama, comedy, ads, music, computer games etc.
It explores how such narratives exploit the spiritual quest through topics such as what it is to be human/not human; 'being'-the life/death/re-birth paradigm; 'no greater love' - agape and the erotic; the Guru and the Buddha - guides for the path; sacred space and sacred time; spirituality and the transcendent.
Issues of culture, religion, conflict and social justice are explored in the light of contemporary media narratives and emerging international concerns. The module recognises the importance of knowledge and understanding of such issues across a wide range of professional media and communication industries. Such stories are explored each week as they arise throughout semester one.
The assignment offers an opportunity for a close examination of an aspect of the sacred or spiritual of your choice through a screen text (see list above) of your choice.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Student contact Hours:14
Intended group size: 30

Seminars
Student contact Hours: 22
Intended group size: 2 x 15

Guided Independent study
Total student hours: 164
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits in Semester 1 will be assessed on the basis of an essay of 2,000 words. Not available as a half-module in Semester 2.