Philosophy, theology and ethics (Religious Studies)

A Level: Christianity

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

• 6+ in RS, if taken

• 6+ in English Language or English Literature

Plus the standard LaSWAP entry requirements for our A level pathway

No commitment to any religious persuasion is pre-supposed. The course is open to candidates of any or no religious persuasion. Students will be assessed on the merit of the arguments they use about the issues raised, not on their personal beliefs.

YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION

The three main areas of study are as follows:

• Philosophy of Religion
• Religion and Ethics
• Development in Religious Thought: Christianity

Students will study these different branches over the two year course.

YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION

In Year 13 students will continue with their study of these branches of the course.

LEARNING AND SKILLS

• Extended essay writing at an advanced level.
• Analysing, interpreting and evaluating religious and philosophical texts.
• Research through different forms of media.
• Group discussion and debates, enhancing their critical thinking.
• Seminars and conferences will be attended to further develop understanding of complex arguments.
• Developing hypotheses and justifying of personal positions on religious, ethical, philosophical problems, relevant to the modern world.

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: OCR

All exams are essay based.

Students have two write three essays in each exam.

Students are assessed on the following objectives:

Assessment Objective 1 (AO1)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including:

• Religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching
• Influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies
• Cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice
• Approaches to the study of religion and belief

Assessment Objective 2 (AO2)

• Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study

FUTURE PROSPECTS

• This Religious Studies: Philosophy, Theology and Ethics course prepares for entry to any arts or literary degree course at university level, particularly philosophy, theology and law but also English, history, sociology, psychology and creative writing.
• Due to the course’s focus on ethics and developments in religious thought, it is also a useful and popular course for those interested in degree courses involving medicine, politics or social sciences.
• Religious Studies: Philosophy, Theology and Ethics is a well-regarded degree for entry into any profession.