AS/A LEVEL RELIGIOUS STUDIES - PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS?

Philosophy and Ethics is the aspect of Religious Studies we study. Religious Studies gives you the opportunity to study some of the fundamental questions which people have always asked about life, such as: Why are we here? How should we behave? What happens when we die?

WHY STUDY PHILOSPHY AND ETHICS?

Studying Philosophy and Ethics will help you develop your thinking skills. You will gain an understanding of different responses to the big questions of life, and the views of philosophers and modern thinkers. The course should give you skills which will be useful in a wide range of careers.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

It demands no prior knowledge only a willingness to think critically about a wide range of questions. Religious Studies is enjoyed by many students: Christians, Atheists and others. You will need to read a range of material and develop analytical writing skills.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

For the AS you will study the following modules:

Philosophy of Religion

This module begins by examining the basis of modern philosophy in the works of Plato and Aristotle. It also looks at the understanding of God as seen in the Jewish scriptures. We then move onto study the traditional arguments for the existence of God, and the criticisms of these arguments. We look at the problem of evil and the responses to it.

Religious Ethics

In this AS module we consider a range of ethical theories. We look at aspects such as: are all ethical decisions relative and “do the ends justify the means?” We focus for example, on the approach of Utilitarianism, the greatest good for the greatest number. In contrast, we consider whether some actions or attitudes are right or wrong in themselves. We look at absolutist ethics such as Kant’s ‘Categorical Imperative’ as a method of defining right and wrong. We also examine religious methods of making ethical decisions and look at medical ethics, including: abortion, euthanasia, the right to life, embryo research and genetic engineering. The course moves from the ancient to the very modern!

In the second year, upon successful completion of the AS you can decide to continue the subject to A2 in which case you will study the following modules:

Philosophy of Religion

In this A2 module we think about death, resurrection, reincarnation and the use of religious language. We look at the nature of revelation, religious experience, voices, visions and the concept of miracles.

Religious Ethics

A wide range of topics are covered in this module, including free will and determinism which questions our freedom to choose. Other topics include: the role of conscience, environmental and business ethics and sex and relationships. We will also study the meaning of ethical language.

Throughout your A level, you will be encouraged to identify connections between the different areas of study and human experience.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED

All Religious Studies assessment is by essay writing. At AS, you will sit 2 exams, one on Philosophy of Religion in January and one on Religious Ethics in May/June. Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long. These exams will count towards your AS and final A level grade.

A2 assessment is also by essay writing. At A2, you will sit two exams, one on Religious Ethics in January and one on Philosophy of Religion in June. Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long. Your overall A2 grade is determined by how you perform in these and your AS exams.

COURSE COMMITMENT

The course is carefully planned, but time constrained. Each lesson will include new material as well as building on previous lessons. You should be prepared to participate fully in lessons and commit a significant amount of time to subject work outside of class. You will write essays, consolidate work done in class and read around the subject.

COURSE COSTS

Text books are provided by us, on loan for the duration of your course at no charge. We may attend occasional student conferences costing approximately £20.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The standard college entry requirements to AS course of five GCSE’s grade C or above apply to Religious Studies. You need to achieve C grades at GCSE including  English Language and any other literary based subject involving a significant amount of reading i.e. English Literature or History.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

The aim is for the course to equip you well for university or employment: to think and evaluate, express yourselves clearly, strengthen your skills and mature as individuals. A good number of our students choose to continue Religious Studies or Philosophy at Degree level or as part of teacher training. After graduating or leaving College, students have progressed to careers in: Teaching, the Police Force, Medicine, the Armed Forces, Journalism and Marketing.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Full course specifications can be found at www.ocr.org.uk

If you require further information please contact Alison Dodds, the Department Manager or June Feather.