Vol 1, No 1 (2012)

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T H E C A T H O L I C I M A G I N A T I O N

1 ANDREW THOMAS MCCARTHY, ANNA MARIA COLLEGE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An exploration of the symbolic and imaginative dimension of Catholicism, key to the experience and transmission of Catholic tradition, as operative in art, music, literature, and liturgy, and as found in everyday life.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

1. Increase in the understanding of selected artistic, cultural, literary and cinematic emphases particular to the Roman Catholic and (catholic) tradition.

2. Basic understanding of how religion and art together can give shape, meaning, and expressive capacity to a person and a community of faith.

3. Expanded knowledge and appreciation of religious culture as an interpretive lens and as a means of dialogue with secular culture.

4. Appreciation of some distinct qualities associated with Catholicism as perceived by literary, visual, musical, and cinematic artists.

5. Identification and questioning of the roles writers, musicians, artists and filmmakers play in explorations and conversations about Jesus Christ, Christian life, and the pursuit of the beloved community.

6. Exploration of the purpose of artistry for the Church and the creative role of the human person in it as understood in the Catholic tradition. Critical assessment of both traditional and non-traditional forms of artistic evangelization.

7. Exploration of both the affinities and tensions between the creative individual and the creative community and exploration of the dynamics among persons from different levels of faith perception within a defined community.

8. Exposure to art, thoughts, and achievements of several creative Catholic thinkers with the intent of eliciting questions about an artistic vocation as an expression of personal and public faith-sharing.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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The look of this article is not an error. See the editorial article for the explanation (Editor).

Comment [Author1]: “The Catholic Imagination” is a required course in the Catholic Studies major at Anna Maria College. The primary purpose of the course is to introduce students to the Catholic culture which is a manifestation of the religious tradition, which, in turn, influences the transfer of religious and humanistic meaning back to the culture. The course is delivered on the ground to students in the major as well as non-majors who take it as a core curriculum distribution elective. It is adaptable for online delivery. The course description and objectives are standardized by the institution and were primarily developed by Dr. Michael Boover. The remainder of the syllabus is developed by the author.

Comment [Author2]: Teaching religious imagination or any imagination is a challenge. The design of this course, around the institutional course description and outcomes, mentors the religious imagination of students by bringing them into contact with imaginative themes and imaginative theory while facilitating the operation of their religious imaginations. The objective is to move students beyond an outsider’s, secondary source perspective through a deeper understanding of the inner workings of their imaginations and a direct engagement with religious themes by facilitating the creative process. This course is designed to achieve a fuller theoretical understanding through praxis.

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Syllabus 1/1 (2012) Andrew T. Mccarthy, “The Catholic Imagination”

2 McCarthy, Andrew T. Francis of Assisi as Artist of the Spiritual Life: An Object Relations Theory

Perspective. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2010.

ASSESSMENT AND REQUIREMENTS

A letter grade will be credited with the lowest number in its range unless otherwise indicated. An in between grade will be credited at the top of the lower letter grade range. (i.e., B/B+ equates to 86)

 Participation Midterm 7.5% Final 7.5%

 First Homework Midterm1%

 First Homework Portfolio Midterm 9%

 Second Homework Portfolio Final 10%

 Third Homework Portfolio Final 10%

 Midterm Exam Midterm 10%

 Final Creative Portfolio Final 25%

 Final Essay Final 20%

PARTICIPATION

The top two participants in classroom and small group discussions will receive 15 out of 15 points. The least engaged participant will receive 10 out of 15 points (or less), and all others will receive 13 out of 15 points. I reserve the right to award more than two participants’ full credit and to identify more than one person in the lowest credit category. The use of handheld texting devices in class, even below the desk, (even the appearance of doing so as indicated by the tell-tale student texting posture) will be noted without further comment and be counted against your participation grade. Similarly, eyes closed in class will also result in a lower participation grade. Once the initial participation grade is determined, I will make further deductions for absences according to the following scale: There will be a two point deduction from your final course grade for each absence that is not excused by the Office of Academic Affairs. This point reduction is a reflection of missed learning opportunity. For example: If you miss 4 classes and your final average would otherwise have been an 86 (B), it will be reduced to a 78 (C+). Participation and attendance have a significant impact on your intellectual growth and your final grade. Do not risk your grade. See below!

PARTICIPATION RESTORATION CREDIT FOR ABSENCES

I will allow you to do makeup credit within two weeks of the beginning of any absence. To complete this work, handwrite a two-page review or analysis of the text chapter or document selection that we are covering for that day or the most recent reading material that is related to the topic covered in the missed class. Although it is impossible to replace the experience of the class, it is hoped that this effort will increase your overall understanding of the topics that were missed. On this paper I expect a fairly normal size of legible script, beginning on the second line and reaching within two lines of the bottom of the page on college rule paper, 8.5x11 inches, no more than 1 inch margins. Write on every line. “Do not skip lines.” Neglecting to meet these requirements will lead to a ½ credit or no credit adjustment for the missed class.

Comment [Author4]: Assessment material is gathered throughout the semester with early opportunity for feedback. Primary determination of outcome achievement takes place at tertiary waypoints, at mid semester, and at the conclusion of the course. There are frequent homework assignments, the first of which is graded immediately for feedback and the rest are collected and graded as three separate portfolios. This allows for regular and significant student engagement without overwhelming professor grading load.

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3 I leave it up to you to verify with me what days you missed. You figure out from the syllabus which is the appropriate reading to review. Make sure you identify yourself, the day for which you are seeking credit, and the reading you are reviewing. I will only accept a maximum of 4 of these papers during the semester. They must be handwritten to ensure originality

HOMEWORK

Objective: Student will demonstrate a comprehensive engagement with the text and course material in an effort to better participate in and process the classroom experience.

Below are general descriptions of each type of homework assignment (See schedule for specific assignment dates and topics):

A. Discover Four Things:

I want you to do some internet research on one of the Catholic themes that we will discuss in class. From this research you are expected to describe in two to three sentences what you have discovered about the theme that would help another person to understand the theme. I included a link to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the required texts. This might prove helpful. You can also use an online Catholic Encyclopedia. (Supports student outcome 4) B. Summaries:

For each assignment in a primary class text I want you to write a two paragraph summary of the material, concluding with analysis on the most important or striking point in your mind. Explain why it is so. (Supports student outcome 1 and 2)

C. Three to Four Important Literature Points:

For each piece of literature assigned for reading I want you to identify 3-4 important points by transcribing a quote, with its page number in parentheses. Then write 2-3 sentences on why that quote is important to the literature or what it says about the author’s use of imagination. The best of these will include consideration of both. (Supports student outcome 3 and 5) D. Four point analysis:

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4 HOMEWORK ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

A B C D F

Expression of ideas

Excellent use of grammatical conventions and flow of ideas

Decent use of grammatical conventions and flow of ideas

Struggling with use of grammatical conventions and flow of ideas

Late or poor use of grammatical conventions and flow of ideas inadequate Depth of analysis Profound depth of consideration

Decent depth Mostly a surface view or simply reporting

Less inadequate

Late Homework Assignment

In spite of other qualities, the

assignment will be graded as a D

I will collect, grade, and return the first assignment. All the remaining assignments will be collected when due but graded as a homework portfolio at three points in the semester. *Any late submissions do not benefit you or the class in discussing or processing the material. These will automatically be graded as a D (60/100).

MIDTERM EXAM

Objective: Demonstrate and verify a foundational understanding of the material covered in class, in particular, a use of the imagination as a means to express religious meaning.

Using your returned homework portfolio, any note sheets from the classes, and an outline made up in advance, I ask you to write an essay in which you identify and describe the theory of imagination that you find most meaningful and then explain how it might be useful in facilitating an understanding of Catholic themes. An inclusion of reference to any aspects of Catholic culture covered up to the midterm is also expected. The essay should be about 4-5 bluebook pages. (Supports Student outcomes 1, 2, and 3)

CREATIVE PORTFOLIO

Objective: To demonstrate and recognize that not all ideas and truths are conveyed discursively.

This will be the most significant grading event for the semester, and it includes many elements.

a. Literary Component (Complete Both)

Write a poem using analogy, metaphor, simile, or some other literary technique to express what God is like or how God enters into and acts in human experience.

Comment [Author6]: Rubrics are included for the Homework Portfolio and the Creative Portfolio. The first rubric is designed to cover four types of homework assignments. In addition to timeliness, it is intended to emphasize, encourage, and assess written communication of ideas and critical thinking on the religious imagination.

Comment [Author7]: Essay exams are used in this course. They are employed as another opportunity to engage students with the material in a continued learning mode versus a reiteration and response mode. The process of gathering information and developing an outline outside the exam assists students in the integration of the subject material. It is expected that this will increase knowledge retention, advance organizational skills, and support life-long learning habits while meeting instructor expectations of engagement.

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5 Write a three to four page short story about a person wrestling with a Catholic theme or experiencing some aspect of a Catholic worldview. This can be fiction or autobiographical.

b. Art Component (complete both)

Create a painting, mosaic, or sculpture depicting some essence of Catholic experience, theology, or worldview.

Write a two to three page analysis of a piece of religious art at the Worcester Museum of art. You must describe the subject matter, explain how it is religious, connect it to any of the Catholic themes, make a determination of how effectively it expresses the religious idea or ideal behind it, and analyze any apparent sentiments or emotions that it evokes. Explain any connections with relevant Scripture passages. (Confer with professor) Include an image of your selected artwork. If you miss a class gathering at the museum you must get photographic evidence of your presence at the museum.

c. Musical Component

Using a copy of an old Catholic Hymnal, you are asked to select a musical piece, preferably popular, and write two more verses for it. Alternatively, you could write one more verse for two different songs. It is expected that the verse have a clear relationship to the rest of the piece and follow the musical score (notes) fairly closely. We might sing these in class to determine whether you followed the score.

d. Drama Component

Write a short play with stage directions. This play can express someone struggling with and living out one of the cardinal or religious virtues. Alternatively, you can take one of your favorite Gospel or Hebrew Scripture stories and write the “rest of the story.” In other words, add another layer to the story or a sequel to it, which follows plausibly from the story that we have as part of Sacred Scripture. (Your drama will not be Sacred Scripture) It is important that you not write a drama that contradicts the tenets of Catholic Faith. For instance, don’t rescue Jesus or do a DNA analysis to “clear the air” about his parentage.

e. Architecture Component

After consulting Chapter One of Living Stones, The US Conference of Catholic Bishop’s document on Liturgical space, I would like you to use your imagination to design a Catholic Chapel for a college campus. It should not be a chapel like most others, yet it should follow the guidelines in Chapter One closely. I expect an overhead view of the Chapel, an exterior grounds/landscaping plan, which can be included in the overhead view, and a front and side façade view. You can access Living Stones at this link: http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/livingstonesind.shtml

You will be expected to present your portfolio in class.

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6 CREATIVE PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Components A B C D

Literary Art Musical Drama Architectural All elements completed, following description closely, showing creative use of imagination and understanding of the relationship to Catholic theology or worldview All elements completed, following description closely, showing decent use of imagination and understanding of the relationship to Catholic theology or worldview All elements completed, following description closely, showing discernible use of imagination and understanding of the relationship to Catholic theology or worldview. There will be some indication of a limited amount of time or effort dedicated. Some elements missing, or assignment not carefully followed with limited imagination and understanding of the relationship to Catholic theology or worldview.

A major aspect missing

FINAL EXAM

Objective: The student will demonstrate and verify a foundational understanding of the material covered in class.

I ask you to select 4 activities from 4 of the creative portfolio sections and describe how each activity called upon the use of the imagination to express a Catholic theme or worldview. I then want you to conclude by summarizing how the use of the imagination is seen as a valid and valuable means to express profound religious ideas and sentiments. (Supports student outcomes 4, 6, and 7)

COURSE CONTENT AND SCHEDULE

*Note: All reading assignments and homework assignments are due to be completed on the first day indicated.

Comment [Author9]: The Creative Portfolio Rubric assesses for compliance with the detailed description of each project, a subjective analysis of the use of creative intuition, and an objective connection with Catholic theological themes.

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Day Week Class Topic Student Obligations

W 1 Catholic Themes: God is creator, God is Trinity, The depiction of God

F 1 Catholic Themes: Original sin (good and evil), conversion, redemption,

salvation, heaven and hell, purgatory, apocalypse, eschaton

First Homework due: type A

M 2 Catholic Themes: Jesus, incarnation, innocent suffering (cross), society and Church, sacramental and sensual response

Homework type A

W 2 Catholic Themes: Dignity of the individual, image of God in humanity

Homework type A

F 2 Imagination: Classical Theories McCarthy pp. 19-22 Homework type B M 3 Imagination: Classical Theories

W 3 Imagination: Classical Theories

F 3 Imagination: Medieval Theories McCarthy pp. 22-25 Homework type B M 4 Catholic Themes: Jesus, incarnation,

innocent suffering (cross), society and Church, sacramental and sensual response, Dignity of the individual, image of God in humanity

Homework type A

W 4 Imagination in Experience and Relationship

McCarthy pp. 67-76 Homework type B F 4 Imagination, Time, Transcendence, and

God

McCarthy pp. 79-89 Homework type B M 5 Imagination and Meaning McCarthy pp. 89-98

Homework type B

W 5 Catholic Literature Homework type C (3 points for each)

Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle, First Mansion, Chapter 1

John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul. Read the Stanzas of the “Soul” on pp. 16 and 17 and review a page or two of the exposition which follows

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F 5 Poetry Homework type C (2 points for each)

John Henry Newman, The Dream of Gerontius, first 5 pages

Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Creatures Thomas Merton, In Silence

Francis Thompson, The Hound of Heaven Czeslaw Milosz, Late Ripeness

Edith Stein, I Will Remain with You

M 6 Art

How to view and analyze artworks

Homework type C (2 points for first one)

Essay on Religion and Art, by Wagner. Read the first two paragraphs.

Review this site for a background in Christian symbolism

W 6 Art Homework Type D (select one image from

below)

Iconology, observing the evolution of Christian depiction: 1 and 2.

F 6 Medieval and Renaissance Frescoes and Paintings

Homework Type D (select one image from below) –imagine the class broken into 4 quarters by last name, alphabetically. Select the image that most closely lines up with your position in the class. For example, if your last name begins with Z you should select an image at the bottom quarter of the list. Use this technique for every class here-after.

Giotto’s Francis of Assisi Leonardo da Vinci

Carravagio 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Fra. Angélico: (Select one) M 7 Art: Friends of Jesus Homework type C (4 points)

Read this article

Find the most interesting image you can of Jesus in the house of Martha and Mary with

information about the painting and artist. Find the most interesting image you can of Mary Magdalene, with information about the painting and artist.

W 7 Midterm Exam Midterm Exam

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M 8 Spring Break No Class

W 8 Spring Break No Class

F 8 Spring Break No Class

M 9 Sculpture Homework Type D (select one image from

below)

Michelangelo: David, Moses, Pieta, Christ,

St_Theresa, Veiled Christ and others, St. Cecelia: W 9 Religion, art, and society What kind of society does Catholicism envision?

Bring in two Catholic painter’s images. One should show society in the negative, and the other should show some positive image of society.

The link will help you identify some Catholic artists along with a sample of their work F 9 Hand’s on Bring in your material to work on art projects.

Also send me a link to a favorite modern art sculpture by a Catholic artist.

M 10 Modern Religious Art Homework Type C (4 points) This is not an article. Read the commentary.

Find two images of Modern religious art, and look up what makes art modern? (What is modern art?)

W 10 Music 2nd_{Homework Portfolio due (including today’s)}

Homework Type D (select one option from below)

Review the links 1 and 2 to pick up some of the basics of music analysis

Mozart Mass in C Minor, Kyrie Schubert, Gloria

Liszt, Sanctus Handel, Amen

Beethoven, Missa Solemnis, Agnus Dei

F 10 Music: Death Homework Type D (select one option from below)

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M 11 Music: Ave Maria Homework Type D (select one option from below)

Schubert Beyoncé Celine Dion Andrea Bocelli

W 11 Music: Poetry Homework Type D (select one option from below)

Edward Elgar, The Dream of Gerontius 1, 2

F 11 Hand’s on Bring in material to work on the musical project. Be prepared to talk about your creative intuition and influences. What is the tone or mood of the hymn you want to add to?

M 12 Modern music Homework Type D (select one option from below)

John Michael Talbot

Stan Fortuna 1, 2 Tony Mellendez Screaming Souls

W 12 Drama: Passion Plays Homework Type D (select one option from below)

Oberamergau Philippines

Passion of Christ

F 12 Drama: The Catholic Imagination of Oscar Wilde

Homework Type C (4 points) Read La Sainte Courtisane

M 13 Drama: The Catholic Imagination of Karen Blixen

Homework Type C (4 points) Adapted from literature to film:

Watch the first five excerpts of Babette’s Feast

W 13 Liturgy and architecture Homework Type C (4 points)

Living Stones, Ch. 1, sections 12-21

F 13 Hand’s on Drama Portfolio Work: Bring material to work on your play

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W 14 Liturgy and architecture Homework Type C (4 points) Living Stones, Ch. 1, sections 27-45:

Last Homework portfolio due: Include today’s input

Lottery for portfolio due dates

F 14 Easter No Class

M 15 Easter No Class

W 15 Portfolio Presentations F 15 Portfolio Presentations

M 0 Portfolio Presentations (additional portfolios will be presented during the beginning of the final exam)

*