Religious Studies

Course summary

This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. You will develop your skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas. OCR’s A Level Religious Studies course aims to engage you thoroughly and develop an interest in Religious Studies which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world. A level Religious Studies is a highly engaging subject, and you can expect classes to involve a considerable amount of discussion and debate. To get the most out of the subject, you must be willing to participate in these discussions, both sharing your own ideas and listening and respecting the views of others. You will develop skills of critical evaluation and analysis, which you will practice within these discussions and in essay-writing. This course has three components: Philosophy, Ethics and Development of Christian Thought. Philosophy of religion. You will study: Ancient philosophical influences. The nature of the soul, mind and body. Arguments about the existence or nonexistence of God. The nature and impact of religious experience. The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil. Ideas about the nature of God. Issues in religious language. Religion and Ethics. You will study: Normative ethical theories: Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism. The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance - Business Ethics and Euthanasia. Mata Ethics: ethical language and thought. Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief. Developments in Christian Thought. You will study: Augustine’s teaching on human nature, Christian teachings in life after death, Christian moral teachings and the Person of Jesus Christ. The course explores significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought. Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.