Religious Studies
(Philosophy of Religion and Ethics)Head of Department: Mrs A.E. Meisner, BA (Nottingham)
Head of Department elect: B.T. Deane, MA (Durham)
Course Specification: Edexcel 8RS01/9RS01
The study of the Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics should appeal to anyone with an inquiring mind. Religion is a primary influence on the social, political and philosophical elements in our culture. This course explores a broad range of questions, looking in particular at the ways in which ethical and philosophical insights have influenced the social, cultural and political development of Western society. Personal religious belief is neither an advantage nor disadvantage as pupils are examined on how they argue, rather than what they believe.
The course will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. These include the skills of collecting, synthesising and interpreting information from a number of sources. Those taking the course will be expected to read primary texts and to communicate the findings of their research effectively. There are no prior knowledge requirements for this course, but an ability to research independently and to write clear English, as well as a commitment to the subject, are essential.
Pattern of Assessment
| AS Unit 1 6RS01 Foundations 1¾ hours exam [25%] |
The course is divided into three main areas: Philosophy of Religion A study of the philosophical arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, and philosophical debates about miracles. Ethics A study of ethical concepts, such as the relationship between religion and morality Islam A study of key Islamic beliefs |
| AS Unit 2 6RS02 Investigations research 1¼ hours exam [25%] |
Pupils are offered a choice of topics to choose from, for example the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer or Existentialism. They then research it with the guidance of a member of the Department. |
| A2 Unit 3 6RS03 Developments 1¾ hours exam [25%] |
Philosophy of Religion Further study of the philosophical arguments
for the existence of God, atheism, and beliefs about life after death. Ethics Further study of the relationship between religion and morality, critical analysis of ethical theories, law and punishment. |
| A2 Unit 4 6RS04 Implications 1¼ hours exam [25%] |
This builds on the combined learning of the other 3 units by examining a number of given texts from an anthology of writings, written by philosophers and ethicists. |
Pupils who choose to take the Religious Studies for AS only, will complete their examinations in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth.