Religious Studies

Course summary

Religious Studies is a fascinating subject that covers some of humanity’s oldest questions. Within this A Level we explore issues concerning morality and philosophy, as well as the development of religious beliefs through history, and the impact of religious issues on contemporary society. Component 1 Philosophy and Ethics Section A: Philosophy of Religion • Evil and suffering • Religious experience • Religious language • Miracles • Self and life after death. Section B: Ethics and Religion Ethical theories • Issues of human life and death • Issues of animal life and death • Introduction to meta-ethics • Free will and moral responsibility • Conscience • Bentham and Kant. Component 2 Study of Religion and Dialogues Section A: Study of Religion • Sources of wisdom and authority • Sources of wisdom and authority • God/gods/ultimate reality • Self, death, and the afterlife • Good conduct and key moral principles • Expression of religious identity • Religion, gender and sexuality • Religion and science • Religion and secularisation • Religion and religious pluralism. Section B: The Dialogue between the Philosophy of Religion and Religion. How religion is influenced by and has an influence on the philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied. Section C: The Dialogue between Ethical Studies and Religion. How religion is influenced by and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied.