NTU Course

Film, Faith and Moral

Offered in 112-2
  • Serial Number

    20948

  • Course Number

    GenEdu5018

  • Course Identifier

    H02 50150

  • Class 01
  • 3 Credits
  • A14

    No Target Students

      A14
    • No Target Students

  • IEE-MING CHANG
  • Tue 2, 3, 4
  • 博雅302

  • Type 3

  • 50 Student Quota

    NTU 50

  • No Specialization Program

  • Chinese
  • NTU COOL
  • Notes

    A14:Literature and Arts , Philosophy and Moral reasoning

  • NTU Enrollment Status

    Enrolled
    0/50
    Other Depts
    0/0
    Remaining
    0
    Registered
    0
  • Course Description
    This dynamic, general undergraduate course leverages the captivating power of cinema to explore world religious civilizations, life philosophies, and a spectrum of ethical and moral issues. "Film, Faith, and Moral" is designed to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, offering insights into the similarities and differences among various world religions and fostering a deep respect for religious cultures. The course delves into major world religions and addresses cross-religious moral and ethical themes, such as the rewards and punishments in the afterlife, the Golden Rule, concepts of rebirth, worldviews, the interplay between digital technology and religion, and the nature of temptation and sin. It also covers repentance, loyalty, forgiveness, altruism, self-salvation, and transcendence. Utilizing a rich array of films, including documentaries, animations, and feature films, the course broadens students' perspectives on religious and philosophical thinking and their understanding of the interconnections between cinema, literature, and art. An introduction to semiotic theory is also included to enhance students' media literacy and critical thinking skills. The course structure includes three-hour weekly sessions, with the first two hours dedicated to the instructor's lectures and the final hour for discussion led by a TA. Active participation in pre-class preparations, including reading and writing, as well as engagement during class discussions, is expected. "Film, Faith, and Moral" provides a comprehensive and engaging approach to understanding the complex relationship between film, faith, and morality.
  • Course Objective
    By the end of this course, students are expected  to know some of the important themes and religious teachings in the world religions;  to be able to think critically about the film from a variety of theoretical perspectives and  to be able to engage in religious dialogue.
  • Course Requirement
    1. Students must complete the assigned pre-class readings (including textbook chapters and film) each week and submit a 300-word essay to the TA. 2. Being punctual is essential; students should enter the classroom on time and submit all assignments before the deadlines. 3. Active participation in the class, especially during the weekly discussion section, is strongly encouraged. 4. If students cannot attend the class, they must inform the TA and follow NTU regulations to request leave. 5. Eating or using mobile phones for conversation is strictly prohibited in the classroom, particularly during class sessions. 6. All assignments and papers must adhere to the principles of academic ethics, with zero tolerance for plagiarism. Honesty is of utmost importance.
  • Expected weekly study hours before and/or after class
    4 hours
  • Office Hour
    *This office hour requires an appointment
  • Designated Reading
    理查・哈洛威(Richard Holloway)(著), 林金源與廖綉玉(譯),《宗教的40堂公開課(A Little History of Religion)》,台北:漫遊者文化,2021年,ISBN 9789864895458 亞瑟‧伯格(A. A. Berger)(著),黃新生(譯),《媒介分析方法(Media Analysis Techniques)》,台北:遠流,1996年,ISBN 9789573215806 謝世維、李忠達(主編),《仙人指路:10個故事帶你進入道教的神秘世界》,台北:秀威資訊科技,2020年,ISBN 978-9863267782。
  • References
    出口治明(著),黃詩婷(譯),《哲學與宗教全史(A World History of Phi-losophy and Religion )》,台北 : 究竟出版社,2020年。 傅佩榮,《傅佩榮宗教哲學十四講》,台北:立緒,2018年,ISBN 9789863601173 鄭錠堅,《電影符號:電影作品的隱喻與哲思》,台北:獵海人出版社,2017年。 張毅民,《電影與信仰》,台北:加額爾俾‧牧民,2018年。 Bryan P. Stone. Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema (Nashville, TN: Chalice Press, 2000). Robert K. Johnston. Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. (Michigan: Baker Academic, 2000) Margaret R. Miles. Seeing and Believing: Religion and Values in the Movies. (Boston: Beacon Press, 1996) William F. Fore. Mythmakers: Gospel, Culture and the Media. (NY: Friendship Press. 1997) Stewart M. Hoover and Knut Lundby. Rethinking Media, Religion and Culture. (Lon-don: SAGE Publications, 1997) Arthur A. Berger. Media analysis techniques (Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 1982) John C. Lyden. Film as Religion: Myths, Morals, and Rituals (New York: New York University Press, 2003)
  • Grading
    15%

    Weekly Attendance Record

    25%

    Midterm Assessment

    30%

    Final Assessment

    15%

    Weekly essays

    15%

    Discussion Session Participation


    1. NTU has not set an upper limit on the percentage of A+ grades.
    2. NTU uses a letter grade system for assessment. The grade percentage ranges and the single-subject grade conversion table in the NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY Regulations Governing Academic Grading are for reference only. Instructors may adjust the percentage ranges according to the grade definitions. For more information, see the Assessment for Learning Section
  • Adjustment methods for students
    Adjustment MethodDescription
    A2

    以錄影輔助

    Assisted by video

    A3

    提供學生彈性出席課程方式

    Provide students with flexible ways of attending courses

    B6

    學生與授課老師協議改以其他形式呈現

    Mutual agreement to present in other ways between students and instructors

    D1

    由師生雙方議定

    Negotiated by both teachers and students

  • Make-up Class Information
  • Course Schedule
    2/20Week 1Introduction to the course. Lecture: Religions and Arts in the Movies
    2/27Week 2Introduction to the Abrahamic Religions
    3/05Week 3Prophetic Tradition in the Abrahamic Religions
    3/12Week 4Heaven and Hell in the World Religions
    3/19Week 5Class Debate: Should People Believe in Heaven and Hell?
    3/26Week 6Speech (1): Religions' Imaginations of the Afterlife
    4/02Week 7Introduction to the Semiotics
    4/09Week 8Mid-term Assessment
    4/16Week 9The Golden Rule
    4/23Week 10Freedom and Rebirth, Karma and Reincarnation
    4/30Week 11Worldviews
    5/07Week 12AI, Digital Technology, and Religion (1)
    5/14Week 13AI, Digital Technology, and Religion (2)
    5/21Week 14Speech (2): AI and Religion
    5/28Week 15Tradition and Future, Ancient Legends and Prophecies
    6/3Week 16Final Assessment
  • To protect everyone's rights, please respect intellectual property rights and refrain from illegal photocopying.