Overview &

Schedule

Course Overview

The Search for Man is an instructive course on moral character, Catholic doctrine, and spiritual maturity that uses excellent movies as its primary “textbook”, employing case-study method. Attendees will analyze them in an engaging yet serious atmosphere of thoughtful Christian reflection. The theme for the course is: “What is Christian manliness? What does it take to be a true, Christian man?”

A written rationale with a list of the themes to be discussed and the corresponding film for each is available for parents here.

Please note that some of the movies shown carry an “R” rating for violent images. These are treated in a mature manner—that is, not as gratuitous entertainment, but rather as a tragic reality to be avoided whenever possible. Any portrayal of coarse language and other thematic content will be handled with due seriousness.

The same mature approach is expected of any student attending this course. 

Worksheets (available here) are provided for each session. Participants in the Zoom-based course will view movies independently (ideally with their families), pausing at key moments as indicated on the worksheet to answer questions & take notes; then will meet online for an approximately hour-long guided discussion & explanation of the moral, doctrinal, & spiritual topics related to the film. Students in the San Francisco Bay Area will meet at Garber House, the Opus Dei study center located at 1827 Oxford St., Berkeley, CA, 94709, to watch and discuss the movies together in person over a pizza lunch. 

Apply here.

Glory

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

The Christian man’s ultimate fulfillment lies in generously serving God, in whatever way God calls. (Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, 24.)

The Truman Show

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

Man is made to seek, find, and live the truth, and to reject falsehood and manipulation.

The Elephant Man

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

All human life is sacred and must be treated with respect and charity.

Children of Heaven

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

A life well lived requires unwavering perseverance in love for family, serving God and others before oneself.

3:10 to Yuma (edited version)

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

Growing in manliness requires seeking the best examples of generous sacrifice demonstrated by strong Christian men.

Big Fish (edited version)

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

Young men often discover, over time, that their own fathers have more virtue than they once perceived.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

True friendship means selflessly wanting what is best for another.

Wall-E

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

True love by its nature begets new life, which is sacred.

Saving Private Ryan

12:00-3:30 PM Pacific Time in Berkeley

One day, we will all face the crucified and risen Christ, and give an account for how hard we’ve tried to live a life worthy of His sacrifice, fulfilling our duty to family, country, and our fellowmen.