RELIGIOUS STUDIES A/S LEVEL AND A2 LEVEL

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examination Board – Edexcel

This subject consists of four units covering aspects of philosophy, ethics and religion. The course will appeal to students who are interested in ethics, philosophy and faith communities. The skills required are an enquiring mind and the ability to look at topics from various points of view. The lessons will provide the opportunity to share in lively debates and to evaluate many ethical and contemporary issues. In Year 12 students will study two units to AS-Level

UNIT 1: FOUNDATIONS

Philosophy of religion

This looks at philosophical arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering and philosophical debate about miracles.

Ethics

A study of ethical theories, the relationship between religion and morality and applied ethics including situation ethics. Also looking at ethical dilemmas including sexual ethics, issues of war and peace.

UNIT 2: INVESTIGATIONS

This unit provides for a balance of teacher directed and more independent student enquiry. It gives the students the opportunity to undertake independent research into a topic that particularly interests them. Candidates study one topic and in the examination answer the question that relates to that topic.

Two further units will be studied in Year 13 leading to a full Advanced level qualification.

UNIT 3: DEVELOPMENTS

Philosophy of religion

A study of the philosophical arguments for the existence of God and concepts of proof, beliefs about life after death and religious language.

Ethics:

A study of ethical theories including emotivism, ethical language and concepts in moral discourse and applied ethics. The relationship between religion and morality. Justice, law and punishment.

UNIT 4: IMPLICATIONS

To consider, examine and discuss how religious belief affects people in contemporary society.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Unit 1 Examination 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% AS 25% A2

Unit 2 Examination 1 hour and 15 minutes 50% AS 25% A2

Unit 3 Examination 1 hour and 45 minutes 25% A2

Unit 4 Examination 1 hour and 45 minutes 25% A2

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS

There are no prior knowledge requirements but an interest in looking at issues from different viewpoints and evaluating these through debate is important. An interest in how religion affects the lives of believers today is also important although there is no requirement to belong to a faith community or indeed a belief in God.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

At Advanced Level you will be expected to spend time researching topics set by the teacher and looking at all aspects of specific issues.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Successful completion of this Advanced GCE will give you access to a range of career and higher education opportunities. The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. These include the skills of collecting, synthesising and interpreting information from a range of sources and the findings of this research will need to be effectively communicated. You will also be required to identify and develop the links between the different parts of the subject that you have studied. These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers and universities and colleges as being of great value, contributing to the critical thinking approach so necessary for many

of the courses studied.

Religious Studies combines well with almost all other humanities AS/ Advanced GCE subjects such as History, Geography and English. In addition, if taken with sciences like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Religious Studies will give you a broad-based curriculum.