A/AS Religious Studies

A/AS Religious Studies

What is Religious Studies?
We live in an ever changing, challenging and complicated world. Many people do not have a religion, while others use their religious commitment as a weapon to justify atrocities. BUT…..What does it mean to be committed to a faith, to the belief of One God, to a set moral code? Can we let the media, hearsay and prejudices determine our knowledge? Would this be sound knowledge?

Part of your Religious Studies course will involve the study of the first Monotheistic religion: Judaism. This will give you a sound foundation for the study of Christianity and Islam if you wish to pursue the study of Theology later on. You will not only learn about basic beliefs and festivals; you will consider the religious, political and historical issues surrounding the existence of the State of Israel and the Holocaust.

Philosophy of Religion will enable you to explore the issues surrounding the existence of God, Evil in the world and how Philosophy influenced Christian ideas.

If you enjoy discovering concepts that are behind modern law and moral outlook, then you will enjoy Religious Studies. Most find the subject challenging but worthwhile as it focuses the mind on identifying the meaning of words and texts in a way that illuminates the religious world. It also develops very useful skills in research, synthesis, evaluation and critical thinking.

Is Religious Studies suitable for me?
It is suitable for anyone living in the 21st century! The units covered in AS level and A2 level will be:

• Philosophy of Religion
• Judaism

How will I learn?
You will be reading and evaluating texts, participating in class discussion, developing essay writing skills as well as preparing your own class presentations. You will have time to explore religious concepts and will be expected to question and to think critically from the theology of Augustine to the challenges to Theism that come from modern psychology and sociology.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: Year 1 - 0%, Year 2 - 0%

AS units : You will be assessed through two written examinations, each accounting for 25% of the total A level.

1 hour 30 minutes each unit, 3 hours in total for AS.

In each of the two units chosen, you will answer two structured essay questions, from a choice of four.

A2 units: OCR Syllabus :

G579 Judaism

1 hour 30 minute examination. Answer two essay questions from a choice of four - 25% of overall marks for A level

G582 Philosophy of Religion

1 hour 30 minute examination. One extended essay from a choice of two - 25% of overall marks for A level

Progression
Knowledge and understanding of religion in itself promotes tolerance and open mindedness. In the world of work, you can offer key skills in communication and an ability to present complex information in a clear and coherent way, as well as having high order thinking skills. Potential careers are in law, computer programming, management training, journalism, the civil service and many others.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where applicable). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: £25 for textbooks/ course booklets.

There are no additional costs.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: OCR H172/572

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