Karla Suomala, "From Oils and Acrylics to Legos and Woodcuts: Art and the Bible in the Undergraduate Classroom"




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contact:
malbon@vt.edu


Dr. Karla Suomala received her Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion and teaches in the Religion Department at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Abstract: In looking at the history of biblical interpretation, we know that visual art has been one of the primary vehicles by which text is explored, especially since the Middle Ages. More people have come into contact with religious art than with biblical commentary. So how can we share this side of biblical interpretation with students and make their encounter with the Bible more meaningful? PowerPoint is an excellent tool for bringing the visual arts into the classroom, although using it effectively can be a challenge. What can it add to the learning experience of students? In this presentation I would like to explore some of the different ways that art and other visual media can be used in the classroom to bring the Bible to life, to show how biblical figures and events were perceived in various faith communities throughout time, and to compare and contrast visual and textual interpretation of the biblical text.

2004, San Antonio


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