Subject
Religious Studies
Course
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
Exam Board
AQA
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mrs Harris – charris2@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
Do you ever ask yourself these questions?
- Why do I exist?
- How do I know what is real / true?
- Is there a God and how can it be proved?
- Are religious experiences such as miracles, visions, and voices genuinely from God?
- How do we determine what is right and wrong?
- Do moral laws come from God or humans?
- Should we judge the morality of an action based upon motive, action or effect?
If you have asked yourself these questions and would like to know what famous philosophers and scholars (ancient and modern) have suggested as possible answers, then this course may be for you. If you are naturally cynical, don’t take things at face value, or enjoy a heated debate, then this course will likely appeal.
As well as Philosophy and Ethics, there is also a Christian Theology component where you will delve deeply into the thinking that underpins Christian belief.
Course Requirements
- RE: Grade 5
- English: Grade 5
In addition to directed reading, you will be expected to read widely outside the classroom. Sound literacy and comprehension skills are necessary. The ability to analyse and evaluate is desirable, although this skill will be developed as the course progresses.
The Religious Studies course at Sixth Form has three key parts:
- Philosophy of Religion
- Ethics
- Study of Religion: Christianity
You study these separately but will also explore how these subjects can relate to each other in the second year of the course.
Philosophy of Religion
- Arguments for the existence of God
- The problem of evil and suffering
- Religious experience
- Religious language
- Miracles
- Self, death and the afterlife
Ethics and Religion
- Normative ethical theories
- Medical ethics
- Capital punishment
- Animal rights
- Meta-ethics
- Free will & moral responsibility
- Conscience
Study of Religion (Christianity)
- Sources of wisdom and authority
- God
- Self, death and afterlife
- Good conduct & moral principles
- Expressions of religious identity
- Gender & sexuality
- Science & Christianity
- Secularisation
- Pluralism
Examination
Two 3-hour written examinations.
This course allows students to gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media.
This subject is highly regarded by some of the top universities in the country. It is also a Cambridge 'A List' qualification.
According to the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service, RS graduates are well suited to careers in a range of areas including:
- Education
- Social Care
- Journalism
- Community Work
- Voluntary Sector
- Legal Sector
- Social Work
- Financial Services
- Broadcast, film and media