A Level Religious Studies, Philosophy, Ethics and Theology

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 at GCSE Religious Studies Grade 5 at GCSE English Literature and Language

Exam Board: OCR

Course content:

The Religious Studies course gives students the opportunity to study some of the fundamental questions, which people have always asked about: · Why are we here? · How should we behave? · What happens to us when we die? · How do religious beliefs explain & explore their beliefs?

The study of Philosophy & Ethics helps develop thinking and analytical skills, the ability to advance and structure an argument, textual analysis and it fosters independent thinking.

The course is split into three distinct areas: Philosophy, Ethics and Development in Christian thought.

Year 12 Topics Philosophy: · Ancient philosophical influences · Soul, mind and body · Arguments about the existence of God, based on reason and observation · Religious Experience · The problems of evil Ethics · Natural law · Situation Ethics · Kantian Ethics · Utilitarianism · Euthanasia · Business Ethics Development in Christian Thought · Augustine on human nature · Death and the afterlife · Knowledge of God’s Existence · The person of Jesus Christ · Christian moral principles · Christian moral action

Year 13 Topics Philosophy: · The nature and attributes of God · Religious Language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic · 20th century perspectives and philosophical comparisons Ethics · Meta-ethical theories · Conscience · Sexual Ethics Development in Christian Thought · Religious Pluralism and theology/society · Gender and theology/society · The challenge of secularism · Liberation theology and Marx

Assessment

Year 12 There will be three mock exams at the end of Year 12 for each topic and students will answer two out of three questions on each paper. Each exam will be one hour. Questions will be essay style of 30 marks each.

Year 13 There are three examinations at the end of Year 13 and students will answer three out of four questions on each paper. Each exam will be two hours long. Questions will be essay style of 40 marks each. Paper 1 (33.3%) Philosophy of Religion: Paper 2 (33.3%) Religion and Ethics Paper 3 (33.3%) Development in Christian Thought

Career Value:

The course compliments a wide range of subjects: English, History, Sociology, Geography, Drama, Languages, Psychology and Maths have all made use of transferable skills. It also supports those who study the sciences, particularly those who wish to follow a career in Medicine.