This course looks at religion in film. As we will see, this is not just a question of how religion is represented onscreen, but how cinematic objects make religious subjects. We’ll explore the ways films are crafted through technique, performance, and distribution, then consider how these components shape religious bodies and religious traditions in turn.

Proposed Readings:Stella Adler – The Art of ActingPierre Bourdieu – DistinctionWilliam Connolly – NeuropoliticsLouis Giannetti – Understanding FilmGail Hamner – Imaging Religion in FilmS. Brent Plate – Religion and FilmSteven Shaviro – Post-Cinematic AffectTiziana Terranova – Network Culture

Proposed Films:Alphonso Cuarón – Children of MenJulie Dash – Daughters of the DustAri Folman – Waltz with BashirRon Fricke – BarakaZacharias Kunuk – Atanarjuat: The Fast RunnerTerrence Malick – Knight of CupsNina Paley – Sita Sings the Blues