KS5 COURSE OVERVIEW

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Miss J. Alltoft

Religious Studies at A level is a stimulating and intellectually demanding course. It is highly regarded by universities, and professions such as accountancy, law, teaching and journalism. Its philosophical and moral aspects add another dimension to the academic rigour demanded at A level, and this subject will challenge students on a personal level.

It will complement most other subjects, both arts and science, and will broaden the curriculum of students who already have three first choice subjects.

As with all A levels Religious Studies will be offered as an AS level, with the option of taking it to a full A level in the following year.

Course Content

Students will follow the OCR syllabus, which is divided, into two main areas:
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION and ETHICS. It will be assessed by three examinations at the end of each year. There is no coursework.

AS Level

• An introduction to philosophical thinking (including Plato and Aristotle)

• Evaluation of traditional arguments for the existence of god

• The problem of evil; the challenge of science (especially the origins of the universe, evolution, the ‘big bang’ and modern cosmology); challenges from psychology (e.g. Freud, Jung) and sociology (e. g. Marx, Weber)

• Introduction to ethical theories – how we know the difference between right and wrong

• Practical medical ethics – genetic engineering, embryo research, infertility treatment, abortion

A2 Level

• Body/mind/soul distinctions

• Life after death – resurrection, reincarnation, disembodied existence

• Revelation, religious experience, miracles; the use of symbol, analogy and myth to express human understanding of god

• Free will and determinism

• Ethics from the perspective of any one religion – you choose

• Practical ethics – environment, sex & relationships, war & peace

Entry Rquirements

It is not necessary to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE to take A Level Religious Studies.