Humanities - Religious Studies

DEPARTMENT |
COURSE NAME |
COURSE LEADER |
EXAM BOARD |
QUALIFICATION |
Humanities | Religious Studies | Ms Clark | OCR | A level |
Course Aims
The aim of Religious Studies is to encourage learners to:
- develop your interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world;
- develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies;
- adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion and reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study.
Course Entry Requirements
- Minimum 6 in English Language and/or English Literature (the course involves extensive reading and essay writing). Grade 6 RS if sat at GCSE.
Course Content
Content Overview |
Assessment Overview |
Weighting |
Philosophy of religion: ∙ Ancient philosophical influences ∙ 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 ∙ The nature of the soul, mind and body ∙ The possibility of life after death ∙ Ideas about the nature of God ∙ Issues in religious language |
Philosophy of religion 120 marks 2 hour written paper |
33.3% of total A level |
Religion and ethics: ∙ Normative ethical theories ∙ The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance ∙ Ethical language and thought ∙ Debates surrounding the significant ideas of conscience and free will ∙ The influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs and the philosophy of religion |
Religion and ethics 120 marks 2 hour written paper |
33.3% of total A level |
Developments in religious thought: Hinduism ∙ 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. |
Developments in religious thought 120 marks 2 hour written paper |
33.3% of total A level |
Assessment Objectives
|
Assessment Objective |
|
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 |
40% |
AO2 |
Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study.
|
60%
|
Progression and Careers
Philosophy, Religious Studies, Law, Medicine, Journalism, Business, Teaching, Higher Education and research, Civil Service such as Administration, Police or Social Worker, Politics. Advertising, Charities Administrator, Computer Analyst/Programmer, Information Management, Marketing and many more.
Exam Board
OCR
Contact Name
For further information, please see Ms Clark – Head of Religious Studies.