WINTER 2017:

RELS 237: Film and ReligionWinter Term 2017Fridays 1130-230Location: Kin 101

Instructor: Professor Ellen GoldbergOffice: Theo Hall, Room 406Hours: 1145-1 on Thursdays or by appointmentEmail: eg7@queensu.ca

TA: Alex Cox-TwardowskiLocation: Room 411, Theo Hall Email: act2@queensu.ca

Introduction to the Course

This course looks at film and religion, specifically Bollywood. We will investigate critical issues relating to religion and culture using India and Indian cinema as our case study. Some of the issues that will surface have cross-cultural applications beyond the Indian context, while others will be quite culture specific. Emerging themes or topics include: (1) gender; (2) communalism; (3) colonialism; (4) diaspora; (5) terrorism; (6) family values; and, (7) love, to name a few.  What will become clear is how religion is woven into the fabric of Indian life and its national cinema. Religion, as we will see, expresses itself in film through the stories told, the people depicted (the characters), the landscapes and backdrops, and the situations portrayed. However, religion is not (always) about belief in gods and goddesses or faith in religious dogmas, but rather it involves a living and dynamic worldview based on action and, by extension, acting (karma) in the world.  Thus, the primary question we must ask in this course is what does Bollywood film teach us about religion and culture in India? As you watch the films, there are some broadly framed questions you should consider, such as:

(1) What worldview is being constructed in the film?(2) How does the film socialize the viewer?

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(3) What do we learn about religion and social history, politics, gender, family values, customs, traditions, and so on?(4) What conflicts and debates involving tradition and/or modernity do you see and how are these conflicts resolved (or, alternatively, not resolved)?(5) What assertions are made on the basis of ethnic and religious identity?(6) How is the 'West' portrayed? (7) How is 'Indian-ness' constructed? 

Also, it is important to understand that in this course we are using film as 'text'. That is to say, film is treated as a primary source to learn about the construction of religion/culture in Indian society (and beyond).

Issues embedded in narrative and can sometimes be subtle and complex. For this reason, each film is paired with readings that will provide (a) relevant background material and (b) references to film in Indian cinema. This will assist the student in his or her interrogation of the films.

Through on-going film analysis the student will develop the ability to question the constructed nature of reality as it pertains to Indian religion and culture on film.

Class RESOURCES: All readings are listed on onQ. You should refer to onQ each week to find the latest available resources including readings, lecture notes (posted within 2 days after class), websites and links, and so on. Note: emails will be sent to your onQ email address from time to time (e.g., class announcements).

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Learning Objectives:

(1) Learn to read ‘film’ as ‘text’.(2) Analyze and understand the constructed nature of religion through the case

study of ‘Bollywood’.(3) Explain subtle and complex themes in contemporary religion in India.

Readings (SEE onQ each week) and Schedule of Films:

Note: Readings and films will be finalized one week before the start of the class so stay tuned for ongoing updates and additions. Films also are subject to change. 

Week (1) January 13: Introduction to the courseReading: (1) Philip Lutgendorf “Is there an Indian Way of Filmmaking?” International Journal of Hindu Studies. Vol. 19. No. 3. Dec. 2006, 227-256.

Week (2, 3) January 20/27: Colonial TimesFilm: Lagaan ("Land Tax"), Ashutosh Gowarker, 2001, 225 min. 

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Reading: (1) Sudhanva Deshpande, “What’s so Great about Lagaan?” in India: A National Culture? Ed. Geeti Sen. New Delhi: Sage, 2003, pp. 237-245.(2) Nissim Mannathukkaren, “Subalterns, Cricket and the ‘Nation’: The Silences of Lagaan,” Economic and Political Weekly 36:49 (Dec., 2001), pp. 4580- 4589.

Week (4, 5): February 3/10: Diaspora and LoveFilm: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge ("The Brave Hearted Gets the Bride") Reading:(1) Patricia Uberoi, “The Diaspora Comes Home: Disciplining Desire in DDLJ,” Contributions to Indian Sociology 32:2 (July-December 1988): 305-336.

Week (6, 7, 8): February 17/March 3: See onQFilm available on Google play (TBA)

Readings: TBA

Week (9, 10): March 10, 17: TBA

See onQ

Week 11/12: March 24/31: Communalism

Film: Dev, Govind Nihilani, 2004, 176 min.

See onQ

Week 13: April 7: Shakti: Female Power

Film: Mardaani, Pradeep Sarkar, 2014, 111 min.

Readings: See onQ (1) Kathleen Erndl, “Woman Becomes Goddess in Bollywood: Justice, Violence, and the Feminine in

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Popular Hindi Film,” Journal of Religion and Film, 2013.

Method of Evaluation: Note: You should prepare for class each week by reading the material listed on onQ. The material will be posted and available at least one week before the class. Students are not permitted to use electronic devices during film screenings in Kin101. Bring paper and a pen to make notes!!

(1) Attendance and Film participation responses (20%)

At the end of each film, you are required to write a one page, double-spaced response or reflection paper (10% of participation grade). If it is considered a 'pass' you get full marks. That means, it is not enough to just show up to class, sign the attendance sheet, and get the grade. You must also participate. The reflection should demonstrate emotional engagement with the film. You can develop a theme, ask (and answer) a question, discuss a central character, identify a conflict, probe an issue briefly, discuss the landscape and setting(s), and so on. The point is, the reflection should be intelligent and thoughtful. Simply 'describing' or reiterating what happened in the film or retelling the story will not get a 'pass'. 5/6 films required

NOTE: Written reflection assignments will not be handed back in class. If you want to discuss them, you need to arrange to pick them up from our TA (Alex). The point of this assignment is to assess your involvement and/or emotional engagement watching the film. This part of (1) constitutes 10% of the attendance grade. The other 10% is based on attendance during the lectures. A class list will be passed around each week. It is your responsibility to ensure you sign it. If it hasn't reached you by the end of class, come see me and sign it before you leave. 4/6 lectures required (not counting week 1).

(2) Critical Reflection Journal (40%)

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Basically, the critical reflection journal is a longer response or critical review involving writing thoughtful and informed analyses of 4/6 films in the course. Each film entry should be 3-4 pages long, double-spaced, 12 point font. Headings should clearly indicate which film you are discussing. Also, each entry should include evidence of engagement with (1) the required readings and (2) the lecture (when relevant). Please make sure you put page numbers on your assignment. Worth 40% of your final grade.

Journals will be due twice per term on Feb 10 and April 10. 

(3) Research Essay (40%)Due March 24 in class. 12 pages in length (includes bibliography). Double-spaced. 12 point font. Topic must be related to Indian cinema and religion, using comparisons with the film themes discussed in class or other themes you have chosen with the permission of the Professor or TA. Creative projects are also possible with the permission of the Professor (only). For more details on creative projects see http://www.queensu.ca/religion/celebrating-creative-projects-religious-studies

Academic Integrity

Statement on Academic IntegrityThe following statement on academic integrity, found on the Queen’s University website, builds on a definition approved by Senate and is designed to make students aware of the importance of the concept and the potential consequences of departing from the core values of academic integrity.Academic Integrity is constituted by the five core fundamental values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility (see www.academicintegrity.org). These values are central to the building, nurturing and sustaining of an academic community in which all members of the community will thrive. Adherence to the values expressed through academic integrity forms a foundation for the "freedom of inquiry and exchange of ideas" essential to the intellectual life of the University (see the o 7Senate Report on Principles and Priorities). http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/policies/senateandtrustees/principlespriorites.html).Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the regulations concerning academic integrity and for ensuring that their assignments

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conform to the principles of academic integrity. Information on academic integrity is available in the Arts and Science Calendar (see Academic Regulations http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/academic-calendars/regulations/acaon the Arts and Science website (see http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/academics/undergraduate/academi c-integrity), and from the instructor of this course. Departures from academic integrity include plagiarism, use of unauthorized materials, facilitation, forgery and falsification, and are antithetical to the development of an academic community at Queen's. Given the seriousness of these matters, actions which contravene the regulation on academic integrity carry sanctions that can range from a warning or the loss of grades on an assignment to the failure of a course to a requirement to withdraw from the university.

Grades

Grades for the course are given as numerical and entered as letter grades. Please see descriptions below of what constitutes an A, B, C, D etc.Numerical Grade AverageA+ 90-100A 85-89A- 80-84B+ 77-79B 73-76B- 70-72C+ 67-69C 63-66C- 60-62D+ 57-59D 53-56D- 50-52F 49 and below

What the grades mean:

A+Indicates exceptional performance that exceeds the highest standards. The course content has been mastered, the ability to apply the material in new ways has been demonstrated, and an understanding of the wider

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context is evident, all to an exceptional degree. Consistent performance at this level leads to placement on the Dean's Honour List with DisCncCon (see Academic Regulations 12).AIndicates outstanding performance that meets the highest standards. The course content has been mastered, the ability to apply the material in new ways has been demonstrated, and an understanding of the wider context is evident.A-Indicates excellent performance that meets very high standards. Mastery of the course material and ability to apply the material in new ways have been demonstrated.B+Indicates very good performance that meets high standards. The course content has been mastered, with a comprehensive understanding of concepts and techniques.BIndicates good comprehension of the course material. The expectations set for the course have been met.B- Indicates reasonably good comprehension of the course material. Most expectations set for the course have been met.C+Indicates an acceptable comprehension of the course material, meeting and in some cases exceeding basic standards.CIndicates a generally acceptable comprehension of the course material, meeting basic standards. Consistent performance at this level is acceptable for an Honours Degree (see Academic Regulation 16).C-Indicates a minimally acceptable comprehension of the course material while falling short of basic standards in some areas. Consistent performance at this level is acceptable for a General Degree, but not for an Honours degree (see Academic Regulation 16).D+Comprehension of the course material was unsatisfactory, but sufficient for credit to be granted. Consistent performance at this level will lead to placement on Academic ProbaCon and, potenCally, further sancCons (see Academic Regulation 13).D-

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Comprehension of the course material was unsatisfactory, but sufficient for credit to be granted. Consistent performance at this level will lead to placement on Academic ProbaCon and, potenCally, further sancCons (see Academic Regulation 13).D-Comprehension of the course material was unsaCsfactory; barely sufficient for credit to be granted. Consistent performance at this level will lead to an automatic requirement to withdraw (see Academic Regulation 13).FIndicates that the minimum standards have not been met. Credit has not been granted. Consistent performance at this level will lead to an automatic requirement to withdraw (see Academic Regulation 13).

Accommodation Policy

Queen's University is committed to achieving full accessibility for persons with disabilities. Part of this commitment includes arranging academic accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they have an equitable opportunity to partcipate in all of their academic activities.If you are a student with a disability and think you may need accommodations, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office (DSO) and register as early as possible. For more information, including important deadlines, please visit the DSO website at: http://www.queensu.ca/hcds/ds/

Copyright Policy

The material for this course is for the sole use of students registered inRels223. The material on this our course may be downloaded for a registered student’s personal use, but shall not be distributed or disseminated to anyone other than students registered in Rels223. Failure to abide by these conditions is a breach of copyright, and may also constitute a breach of academic integrity under the University Senate’s Academic Integrity Policy Statement.

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