Religious Studies

Course summary

WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR? ✓ Students who are interested in theology, philosophy and ethical issues. ✓ Students interested in a career where decision making, thinking around ethical issues and communication skills are important e.g. managerial roles, law, diplomacy, journalism, teaching, medicine, civil service and politics. ✓ Students who are interested in developing ’higher order thinking skills’; who like to ask questions and explore preconceptions; who like to think critically, question wisely and form coherent arguments. ✓ Students who are skilled in written communication, and want to develop their ability to create formal arguments and produce high quality essays. WHAT WILL I LEARN? OCR Religious Studies consists of three components: Philosophy of Religion; Religion and Ethics; and Developments in Religious Thought: Christianity. The Philosophy of Religion component includes study of ancient philosophy, the nature of soul/mind/body, arguments about the existence of God, and issues in religious language. Religion and Ethics includes study of normative ethical theory, application of theory to contemporary issues, and the influence of ethical thought on religious belief. The Development in Religious Thought component covers Christian beliefs, values and teachings and their historical development, sources of authority and wisdom for Christians, and the interconnections between social/ historical developments and religious practice and identity.