Religious Studies

Course summary

Do you enjoy discussing political, cultural, social and legal issues that affect society? Do you relish debate and enquiry into the 'big' important questions in life? Would you like to be able to think better and win all your arguments? If so, this is probably the right subject for you. During the religious studies A-level you will consider demanding, thought-provoking questions from the fields of religion, philosophy and ethics, for example: 'Is it possible to talk to God?' and 'Is an act good so long as it makes people happy?' Discussion, debate and enquiry into topics, most of which have been taught for millennia but still have vital importance and relevance in today's society, is to be expected during lessons. Whilst religious studies is a traditionally academic, essay-based subject, there are many opportunities to learn in an interactive, varied way such as film nights (with discussion), A-Level conferences, external speakers and trips. The subject will require you to think, reason and appreciate the breadth of opinion within each debate, whilst considering and developing your own. You will need to be intellectually agile and prepared for your assumptions to be challenged. There is no room for fence-sitting and your opinion should be well-informed by the end of the course. Both analysis (your ability to understand and explain) and evaluation (your ability to judge the effectiveness and credibility) of various arguments will be a central feature of the course; you should enjoy the challenge of interpreting and assessing beliefs and viewpoints that may not be your own. Overall, the subject can make your brain ache and your voice hoarse from critical discussion - but it's fun, interesting, and develops excellent academic skills.