Religious Studies AS / A Level

RELIGIOUS STUDIES AS / A LEVEL
Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics at Sixth Form is an exciting, challenging and contemporary course that will suit you very well if you have an independent and enquiring mind. In Ethics, we consider crucial and relevant issues such as: Why should we protect the environment? What is the evidence for and against global warming, and what can we do in response to this? Are wars ever justified? Is the Iraq war justifiable? What are the reasons for wars? In Philosophy, we examine fundamental questions such as: Why are we here? How did the universe begin? Why is there suffering in the world?The subject as a whole examines different ways of looking at life and helps people to reflect on their experiences, their relationships and the world around them.

We offer OCR Religious Studies at both A level (2 year course) and AS level (1 year course).

What and how will I be studying?
The course is modular and will require the study of two modules in each year.

AS - Year 1

Philosophy of Religion
This module introduces some of the key ideas and concepts in philosophy. We will start by looking at Ancient Greek and Biblical influences on philosophical thought. We then go on to consider the traditional arguments for the existence of God: can we prove that God exists? What is the evidence? We also examine challenges to religious belief such as the problem of evil and psychological views of religion. Finally, we study the relationship between religion and science and consider the views, for example, of Richard Dawkins


Religious Ethics
This module addresses key ethical theories, and their relationship to religious methods of ethical decision-making. These theories are then applied to practical ethical issues such as medical ethics (abortion, euthanasia and genetic engineering) and the ethics of war and peace.

A2 - Year 2

Philosophy of Religion
In this module we will examine arguments and evidence for life after death and the existence of the soul - for example, we will consider past life 'memories', near death experiences and arguments from a range of philosophers and religious thinkers. We also study religious experience and miracles, the nature of God according to the Judaeo-Christian tradition, and the meaning of religious language.

Religious Ethics
A2 ethics involves the study of 'meta-ethics', or the meaning ethical language, as well as key ethical theories. We also consider the concepts of free will and determinism: are we free to make our own moral decisions, or are we simply products of our society or biology? If God creates us, then does this mean He is responsible for our moral decisions? And what is the role of conscience in moral decision-making? We then go on to apply ethical theory to issues such as environmental ethics, business ethics and sexual ethics.

How is the Course assessed?
All modules are assessed by written examination.

What career opportunities are there?
After an A or AS level in Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics you can use it to apply for a job or degree in just about anything. The application of ethical principles is essential to most disciplines but particularly to modern-day medicine, law, science, technology, environmental studies, economics and business. At degree level Religious Studies is a useful subject on its own but could also be taken alongside the study of literature, culture, history, philosophy, sociology, psychology or music. It obviously has great value for such careers as social work, medicine, nursing and teaching. Religious Studies is a relative shortage subject in teaching and the ability to offer it as a specialist or secondary subject might help secure a job!

'...but I don't want to become a Vicar!' Studying Religious Studies doesn't mean you end up 'going into the church', although it is obviously valuable if you wish to pursue some kind of ministry.

...and what else?
The study of Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics helps you to develop a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by universities and employers, particularly the ability to debate and discuss issues and to think for yourself. It will enhance your ability to spot good philosophical argument. As well as improving your thinking skills, you will develop essay-writing techniques.

Sometimes the usefulness of a subject can be emphasized according to how far it helps an individual to make a future contribution to the country's economy, or further a career. This is important, of course. However, with rapidly changing lifestyles and values we need to make sure that we look after our own personal development, self-awareness and understanding. The study of Religious Studies can assist in this personal, social, moral and cultural development and help each of us to face some of life's bewildering experiences and challenges.