Religious Studies

Course summary

The Religious Studies course gives students the opportunity to study some of the fundamental questions, which people have always asked about: - Why are we here? - How should we behave? - What happens to us when we die? - How do we know God exists? The study of Philosophy & Ethics helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, the ability to advance and structure an argument, make informed judgements and use evaluative language to defend or challenge different views. The course compliments a wide range of subjects: English, History, Sociology, Geography, Drama, Languages, Psychology and Math's have all made use of transferable skills. It also supports those who study the sciences, particularly those who wish to follow a career in Medicine. Year 12 Topics Philosophy: - Ancient philosophical influences - Soul, mind and body - Arguments about the existence of God, based on reason and observation - Religious Experience - The problems of evil Ethics - Natural law - Situation Ethics - Kantian Ethics - Utilitarianism - Euthanasia - Business Ethics Development in Christian Thought - Augustine on human nature - Death and the afterlife - Knowledge of God’s Existence - The person of Jesus Christ - Christian moral principles - Christian moral action Year 13 Topics Philosophy: - The nature and attributes of God - Religious Language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic - 20th century perspectives and philosophical comparisons Ethics - Meta-ethical theories - Conscience - Sexual Ethics Development in Christian Thought - Religious Pluralism and theology/society - Gender and theology/society - The challenge of secularism - Liberation theology and Marx