Religious Studies

Course summary

Component 1: A Study of Religion. There will be four themes within each option: religious figures and sacred texts; religious concepts and religious life; significant social and historical developments in religious thought; religious practices and religious identity. Learners will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four in each option. Component 2: Philosophy of Religion. There will be four themes within this component: arguments for the existence of God; challenges to religious belief; religious experience; and religious language. Learners will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four in this component. Component 3: Religion and Ethics. There will be four themes within this component: ethical language and thought; deontological ethics; teleological ethics; free will and determinism. There will also be studies into ethical issues surrounding homosexuality, polyamorous relationships, capital punishment, euthanasia, abortion, immigration, and nuclear proliferation. Learners will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four in this component. This course will allow students to develop their interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world as well as develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities, and societies. Students in this subject must adopt an enquiring, critical, and reflective approach to the study of religion whilst reflecting upon and developing their values, opinions, and attitudes. Those who undertake Religious Studies go on to pursue many career paths from uniformed public services and the military, to law, medicine, and teaching.