RELS 218: Introduction to Religion and Popular Culture (Rev. C4) Report a Broken Link

Many people believe that religion exists solely in places of worship, but is this really true? Is there a distinct separation between the sacred and the profane? What defines religion?—culture? Does popular culture influence religion or is it a one-way street? Is today's western, apparently secularized, culture entirely unaware of the religious content—both subtle and obvious—that exists within film, literature, television, music, and the media? This course explores these questions, looking at the interplay between religion and culture in North America, with the goal of evaluating the influence that each exerts on the other.

Assignment Resources


Sample Film Reviews
Fisher, Danny. “Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 12., no. 2., 2008.
McEver, Matt. “Film Review: Gladiator.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 4, no. 2, 2000.
Walsh-Pasulka, Diana. “Film Review: The Matrix: Reloaded.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 7, no. 2, 2003.
Yarri, Donna. “Film Review: The Exorcism of Emily Rose.” Journal of Religion and Film. Vol. 10, no. 1, 2006.
World Religions
Star Trek, Star Wars, or Science Fiction
Colebatch, Hal G. P.

Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003.

Religion, Diets, and Food
Sports and Religion
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Harry Potter
Colebatch, Hal G. P.

Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003.

Heroes, Superheroes, and Comics
Colebatch, Hal G. P.

Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003.

Religion and Film
Christianity and Popular Culture
Popular Culture in Religion
Religion and Popular Culture—General

Note: This book has a good chapter on the religious qualities of hockey in Canada.