AS/A2 Religious Studies

AS/A2 Religious Studies
AS/A2

Religious Studies explores major questions: life and death, meaning and purpose, practical ethics and morality. You will investigate answers from a variety of points of view, focusing on Buddhist views and those of ethical theorists. You will also assess the impact of beliefs on life and society. You will have an opportunity to carry out your own research using a wide variety of materials, including the internet. The course will develop your ability to evaluate viewpoints before making clear and balanced judgments.

AS Course Content
Unit 1: Foundations

You will explore the foundations of Buddhist belief and practice, including the life and work of the Buddha, in its historical, religious and social context, the types and purposes of Buddhist meditation and key Buddhist teachings.

You will also study Ethics, including the relationship between religion and morality, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics and the study of ethical dilemmas such as war and peace and sexual ethics.

Unit 2: Investigations

You will research a topic relating to Ethics and Religion using a variety of resources, with teacher support. This unit gives you the opportunity to experience independent research which you will later apply under exam conditions.

A2 Course Content
Unit 1: Developments

You will study both Ethics and Buddhism in this unit. Ethics comprises further expansion and developments of the study of ethical concepts and problems. This covers fundamental questions about human ethical behaviour and motivation through the study of theories including natural law and virtue ethics, and ethical concepts such as justice, law and punishment. For Buddhims, you will explore its development and expansion, and selectedd concetps such as Nirvana, Dukkha, and key teaching and types of Bodhisattva, and set texts such as The Questions of King Milinda.

Unit 2: Implications

You will study an anthology of religious and ethical texts, building on knowledge and understanding from the previous units. You will examine the three texts themselves, and in addition discuss ethical issues and features of human experience that connect to them. In doing so, you will consider the consquences of holding certain opinions, views or beliefs. The texts are focused on Ethics.

Assessment

Assessment is by examination.

Is Religious Studies for you?

You will enjoy and benefit from Religious Studies if you:

l have the ability to relate to moral and religious theories and to examine issues logically, critically and systematically;

l want to explore issues that matter about the meaning and purpose of life and how beliefs influence lifestyle;

l want to explore how belief influences lifestyle and society;

l can explore ideas through discussion and in written work;

l are keen to carry out independent investigative research, including using the internet, rather than just listening and reading. Independent work is integral to the course.

Religious Studies and your future
Religious Studies can lead to a variety of further studies and careers including law, politics, medicine, teaching, management and social work.