Religious Studies

Assessment

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓% of qualification This explores 6 philosophy of religion themes. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the ability to evaluate: 1. Philosophical issues and questions: ●Ontological argument for the existence of God ●Teleological argument for the existence of God ●Cosmological argument for the existence of God 2. The nature and influence of religious experience 3. Problem of evil and suffering 4. Philosophical language 5. Works of scholars (Critiques of religion) 6. Influences of developments in religious belief: ●Religion and science Paper 2: Religion and Ethics Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓% of qualification This explores 6 ethical themes. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the ability to evaluate: 1. Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics: ●Environmental issues ●Equality 2. A study of three ethical theories: ●Utilitarianism ●Situation Ethics ●Natural Moral Law 3. Application of ethical theories to issues of importance: ●Sexual ethics ●War and Peace 4. Ethical language 5. Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars 6. Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues (abortion, euthanasia etc.) Paper 3: A Study of Religion – Islam Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓% of qualification This explores 6 Islamic themes. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the ability to evaluate: 1. Religious beliefs, values and teachings (The six beliefs) 2. Sources of wisdom and authority: ●Muhammad ●The Qur’an 3. Practices that shape and express religious identity: ●The 5 Pillars ●The ummah 4. Social and historical developments: ●Origins and differences between Sunni and Shia Islam ●Sufism 5. Works of scholars (comparative study of jihad) 6. Religion and society: ●Gender ●Challenges of multi-faith societies, pluralism, religious freedom and interfaith dialogue ●Challenges of the secularisation and the modern ‘Western’ world ●The impact of migration and how these have been met by different traditions of Islam