Religious Studies

Course summary

Paper 1 – Philosophy Philosophical issues and questions The nature & influence of religious experience Problems of evil and suffering Religious language Works of scholars Influences and developments in religious belief Paper 2 – Ethics Significant concepts in issues and debates in religion and ethics A study of three ethical theories Application of ethical theories to issues of importance Ethical language Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues Paper 3 – Buddhism Religious beliefs, values and teachings Sources of wisdom and authority Practices that shape and express religious identity Social and historical developments  Works of scholars Religion and society Religious Studies allows students to construct well-informed arguments to support or contradict philosophical thought and allows students to apply ethical theories to modern day examples such as the environment, war and peace and medical ethics. Students will develop a good knowledge and understanding of Philosophical and Ethical theories as well as Buddhist perspectives that they will then apply to clear, well-informed debate.