A Level Religious Studies
Exam Board/Specification
OCR A Level Religious Studies (Philosophy, Ethics and Christian Developments)
Course Content
Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity is a fascinating A Level. It provides students with an opportunity to explore the history of philosophical, ethical and religious thought and develops the skills of critical thinking, discussion and persuasive writing – all essential skills for study not only at university, but also for a vast number of careers including law, medicine, film, education or social sciences.
During the two-year course students will study the following 3 units:
Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion
- Ancient philosophical influences
- Soul, mind and body
- Arguments based on observation
- Arguments based on reason
- Religious experience
- The problem of evil
- The nature or attributes of God
- Religious language: negative, analogical or symbolical
- Religious language; twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparison
Unit 2: Religion and Ethics
- Natural law
- Situation ethics
- Kantian ethics
- Utilitarianism
- Euthanasia
- Business ethics
- Meta-ethical theories
- Conscience
- Sexual ethics
Unit 3: Developments in Christian Thought
- Augustine’s teaching on human nature
- Death and the afterlife
- Knowledge of God’s existence
- The person of Jesus Christ
- Christian moral principles
- Christian moral action
- Religious pluralism and theology
- Gender and society
- Gender and theology
- The challenge of secularism
- Liberation theology
How Will I Be Assessed?
Paper 1 – 33%
Philosophy of Religion
Paper 2 – 33%
Religion and Ethics
Paper 3 – 33%
Developments in Christian Thought
Skills and Prospects
A Level Religious Studies combines well with most subjects including English Literature, Sociology, History and Psychology. Previous study of Religion is not necessary, but a healthy interest in philosophical issues is a must.
High Storrs Sixth Form Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This must include:
• Mathematics Grade 4 AND
• English Language Grade 5 OR
• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4guage OR Literature
Plus
Grade 4 in RE (if studied) and Grade 5 in English Language or Literature