Religious Studies

Course summary

This course is split into 3 sections which is also how it is examined. Paper 1 - Philosophy of religions. In this unit you learn about and debate the various arguments over the existence of God including the design argument, cosmological, ontological, religious language and evil and suffering. Paper 2 - Religion and ethics. In this unit you explore the issues around morality and religion- essentially what is the right or wrong decision and what do you base this on. This includes looking at specific ethical topics such as the environment, equality, war and sexual ethics. Ethical theories such as utilitarianism, situation ethics and natural moral law, and ethical language, deontological ethics and medical ethics are also evaluated. Paper 3 - Study of a religion - Christianity. In this unit you have an in-depth look at Christianity, both what they believe but also how they worship and show this belief. This is through looking at religious beliefs, values and teachings- Sources of wisdom and authority (the Bible and Church authority)- Practices that shape and express religious identity- Social and historical developments- Religion and society. You will be taught through a variety of teaching techniques which include formal teaching, debate and discussion, group work and independent research tasks both in lessons and for homework. Course textbooks, anthology and other support material will be used in lessons. An A Level in Religious Studies gives you many opportunities within further study and careers. Due to the understanding you learn of others around you it can be very useful in teaching, social work, charity work or a civil servant role. It is also is a useful A Level when looking at careers in law, medicine and journalism. It works well with other humanities subjects but also science subjects.