RELIGIOUS STUDIES - A LEVEL

RELIGIOUS STUDIES A LEVEL

WHY STUDY RS?
Studying Religious Studies at A-level allows you to critically look at religion, ethics and
philosophical thought. It provides a fantastic base for further study allowing you to
develop essay writing, analytical and critical thinking skills while studying a diverse
and engaging range of topics.
COURSE CONTENT
The OCR A Level ensure students have a thorough understanding of diverse
philosophical and ethical viewpoints. Religious Studies is a thought provoking subject
and the contemporary themes help students develop independent thoughts on
complex issues.
The course is split into three equally weighted components, each worth 33.3% of the
total A Level. Each component will be examined through a 2 hour written paper.
Students will be expected to answer three essay questions (each worth 40 marks)
during each of the three 2 hour exams in order to demonstrate excellent knowledge
of the course content and the ability to critically analyse and evaluate this
knowledge
Component 1 – Philosophy of religion:
In Philosophy of religion learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised
by religion and belief beginning with the Ancient Greeks and finishing with modern
developments in relation to the challenges posed by science and changes in
societal norms throughout history. These include arguments regarding the existence
or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the
problems of evil and suffering. They will also explore philosophical language and
thought, through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in
issues or debates in the philosophy of religion.
Component 2 – Religion and ethics:
Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought,
with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory
will also be applied to issues of importance; namely euthanasia, business ethics, and
sexual ethics.
Component 3 – Developments in Christian thought:
Developments in Christian thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study
of Christianity. This will include the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings
and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and
authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed
over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social
issues. In the case of Christianity we also have the opportunity to examine the way in
which the religion has affected the development of western modern values and the
laws that have resulted from these.