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COURSE DESCRIPTION

By embarking on this course students are beginning a very challenging and academically rigorous investigation into some of humanity’s ultimate concerns and questions. Students embrace a number of desirable skills which can then be used in a variety of life situations, such as deep reflective questioning, document analysis, debate and discussion, essay writing and group work.

 

COURSE CONTENT

Philosophy of Religion (01)

Learners will study:

• ancient philosophical influences
• the nature of the soul, mind and body
• arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
• the nature and impact of religious experience
• the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
• ideas about the nature of God
• issues arising in religious language.

 

Religion and Ethics (02)

Learners will study:

• normative ethical theories
• the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
• ethical language and thought
• debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
• sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

 

Developments in Religious Thought (03)

Learners will study:

• religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
• sources of religious wisdom and authority
• practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition
• significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought
• key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

 

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

This course is an opportunity to look at a number of fundamental questions at the heart of human existence. Students who wish to go into spheres as diverse as medicine, the armed forces and law will find the ethical side of the course of immense benefit and application in the future. Jobs which include working with people, whether they are in social studies, politics or any form of care work will gain from the study of philosophy. The skills of evaluation, deep contemplation and reflection will better equip all learners for any university course and indeed for life in general.

 

GCSE GRADE PROFILE

Students who study Religious Studies must achieve five GCSE grades from 9 – 4 in a range of subjects, including a grade 5 in English and a grade 5 in another Humanities subject (preferably Religious Studies).

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