Religious Studies

Course summary

Philosophy will change the way you think forever - Philosophy, ethics and religion is a popular fascinating course providing a rich and diverse study of the most highly debated questions of all: are we free? Does God exist? What happens when we die? Our students consistently achieve A*, A and B grades each year, with the department achieving consistently high ALPS scores year in year out. We are keen for students to shape their own learning and welcome independent work, ideas and revision strategies. We believe there must be an element of fun in lessons. In previous years this has included developing philosophically named drinks, lessons outside, music, video making, model building, whole class pictograms and much more to enhance the general classroom experience. The OCR course studies a deep and interesting blend of subject matter and leads to an A Level in Religious Studies. An open and enquiring mind with a willingness to examine issues in a rigorous and logical fashion. By the end of the course you will have honed your analytical and deep thinking skills having the ability to process a large amount of complex material in a quick and efficient way. Philosophy of religion - Ancient Greek influences on Philosophy including Plato and Aristotle. - The nature of the Soul, mind and body - Arguments for the existence and non-existence of God. - Issues in religious language - The nature and impact of religious experience - The problem of evil and suffering Religion and Ethics - Normative ethical theories such as Kantian ethics, natural law and situation ethics. - The application of ethical theory to euthanasia and business ethics - Ethical language (metaethics) - Conscience and free will - Sexual ethics Developments in religious thought - Beliefs, teachings and ideas about human life - Science and philosophy - Gender equality - Tolerance, justice and liberation theology Beyond the classroom Past activities have included: - A trip to Keele University for an intensive revision course. - A debating society, run by students where they compete with their self- chosen topics - In the future we are planning to run a philosophy trip to London with grand plans to visit Athens, Greece where philosophy began.