BU Courses in Theology and the Arts
There are many courses across BU’s schools, departments, and programs that explore various ways that religion, spirituality, and the arts influence each other. A few are highlighted here for the upcoming semester. Below are some some examples of key terms to search in the university course catalog for current and future courses that feature themes in theology and the arts.
Fall 2022 Courses
Religion and Public Engagement through the ArtsBecause the arts are fundamental to religious expression and are a principal interface between religious communities and the public, this course provides competencies in a wide range of subjects needed for leadership in this field. Primary competencies include an overview of the history of Christian art and architecture in global context; engagement with several methodological frameworks for self-expression and criticism (including aesthetics, semiotics, the creative process, and theopoetics); and foundational skills in the field of arts administration. |
Critical Analysis of Children’s and Young Adult LiteratureOverview of children’s and young adult literature, including introduction to authors, illustrators, and literary genres, and exploration and discussion of distinctive portrayals (e.g., genders, cultures, ethnicities, religions). The course is intended to develop overall knowledge of texts, awareness and understanding of critical issues that surround children’s and young adult literature, and an understanding of how to evaluate and select texts for use in and out of school settings. |
Religion and Public Engagement through the ArtsBecause the arts are fundamental to religious expression and are a principal interface between religious communities and the public, this course provides competencies in a wide range of subjects needed for leadership in this field. Primary competencies include an overview of the history of Christian art and architecture in global context; engagement with several methodological frameworks for self-expression and criticism (including aesthetics, semiotics, the creative process, and theopoetics); and foundational skills in the field of arts administration. |
Nature & the Divine in Myth, Literature & ArtOver time and throughout cultures, human understanding of a divine presence, of a god or gods, has been intimately connected to our relationship with nature. This course introduces students to some of the world’s mythic traditions, applying them to the enduring cultural issues surrounding humanity’s relationship to nature and our role as stewards of the environment. The course will cover the Bible and classical mythology through the writings of Emerson and modern works such as Ceremony by Pueblo author Leslie Marmon Silko, and will explore nature and religion in art from Europe and America. |
Spring 2023 Courses
HIV/AIDS, Art, and Religion in AmericaHIV/AIDS, Art, and Religion in America. Examines the history of the AIDS crisis in the U.S., including religious, racial, and moral constructions amid the infamous “culture wars.” Special attention to feminist/queer activists and artists who fostered alternative moral and political visions of disease, sexuality, and health. |
Religion in the Digital AgeHow has technology impacted religion? This hands-on course explores how digital technologies like the Internet, social media, gaming, and artificial intelligence have changed the way that people think about religion. |
Religion and Literature in Medieval SpainExplores religion and literature in medieval Spain through a critique of convivencia, the notion of a peaceful coexistence among Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Close readings of medieval literary works that imagine religious identity and relationships across religious boundaries. |
Trauma in History, Art & ReligionToday trauma haunts soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It afflicts the survivors of 9/11 and witnesses to the Boston Marathon bombings. It colors the lives of victims in the rape epidemic still unfolding on college campuses. It shapes the way we talk about race after the deaths of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others. It is a lens through which we examine the unfolding climate crisis. And it provides novel ways to read literature, view art, and watch television and film. This course is an interdisciplinary seminar that explores the many ways that psychological trauma manifests itself. |
Religion & FilmFilms from around the world, which depict religious heroes and communities and the quest for religiosity. Supplementary readings from cinema studies and diverse religious traditions. Writing assignments include academic essays, film reviews, and a film journal. |
Jewish LiteratureHow do changing notions of ethnicity and race, religion, and gender, as well as geographical place define Jewish family and community? Topics include immigration, diaspora, and national culture; patriotism, antisemitism, and multiculturalism; Jewish identities and gender; conversion, assimilation, and acculturation. |
Contemplating EthnomusicologyThis course will involve in-depth reading and discussion of key areas of scholarship: music and politics, music and gender, music and religion, music and identity, and other useful paradigms. This course will broaden and deepen the intellectual horizons of graduate students in ethnomusicology and other interested graduate students. 3 cr. |
Find More Courses in Theology and the Arts
Clicking on the links below will take you to the BU course search engine where you can explore all courses related to theology and art. The BU Course Search tool is a great way to find courses feature themes in which you are interested. Specifying an upcoming semester will result in courses that are on the schedule. Selecting “Future semesters” results in courses that have been offered in the past and may be scheduled in the future. We recommend that you try other keywords in your search in order find all relevant courses for your interests.
Courses in Theology/Religion & Art
Courses in Theology/Religion & Literature
Courses in Theology/Religion & Music
Courses in Church Music and the Arts at the School of Theology
(This links to a list of courses in the STH Bulletin; you can search for the course name or code in the Course Catalog to see if a course is scheduled.)