Course Description: Religion in the mass media. Topics may include the coverage of religious issues or events by the news media and the presentation of religious themes or concepts in the entertainment media.

Prerequisite Course(s) & requirements other than coursework: Junior standing or permission of the Department.

Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

Paul Tillich, Dynamics of Faith

W. C. Smith, The Faith of Other Men

1. To enable students to evaluate the presentation of religion and religious topics in the media.
2. To enable students ascertain specific religious motifs in music, literature and film.
3. To ascertain the function of religion in a particular form of the media through viewing, discussion and writing two reflection papers.

1. Religion and the Formation of Beliefs

1. Joseph Campbell on Myth
2. Tillich on Faith in Modern Society
3. Smith on the Faith of Others

1. Religion in the works of Spielberg and Lucas

1. The Star Wars triology
2. The Indiana Jones triology

1. Religion in the News Media\

1. Newspaper editorials & columns
2. News stories in newspapers and news magazines
3. Television reporting

1. Summation & Conclusion

The University of Georgia insisted upon the highest standards of moral conduct in all its courses. In keeping with the University Honor Code and Academic Honesty Policy, each student is expected to do his/her own academic work and to acknowledge fully any assistance and/or any academic resource. All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty." Each student is responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.

1. Each student must complete all required reading.
2. Each student is expected to participate fully each day in class discussions.
3. Each student is expected to attend every class session. (Students are allowed one unexcused absence per credit hour.)
4. Students should notify the instructor as soon as possible if personal crises or academic conflicts (e.g., two examinations on the same day) arise.
5. Make-up examinations will be considered on an individual basis.

1. Two examinations: a midterm and a final examination (24% each)
2. Two reflection papers (to be turned in within 48 hours of class discussion [24% each])

a. One from Section II, one from Section III

3. Class attendance and participation (4%)