A Level Religious Studies
What is it about at sixth-form level?
What does it mean to hold religious views? How are these views expressed can they be rationally supported? This course approaches these fundamental questions in a distinctively philosophical way. You will explore the ancient philosophical traditions and the resulting religious questions that arise, including the Mind-Body problem and the Problem of Evil. You will also critically compare different moral theories, both religious and secular, and apply these to contemporary ethical issues. You will then explore the historical, social and philosophical development of Buddhism. The course aims to encourage an enquiring, critical and empathetic consideration of some of the questions people ask about life, God and the universe. Wherever you stand, there is much to be learned and admired from the complexity and subtlety with which theists, agnostics and atheists have responded to questions that have been handed down across generations across the globe.
Why study it and what skills does it develop?
Religious Studies is a much-respected subject. It introduces perennially fascinating theological and philosophical problems that engage you and develop your critical and analytical skills. You learn to think in abstract ways and to challenge your own beliefs. You develop the ability to read and understand complex ideas and the ability to articulate them clearly in essays. All of these are valuable skills across a wide range of disciplines, making it a subject universities look favourably on.
What prior knowledge and skills are required?
You will need to have obtained at least 5 GCSEs at 9-4 including a grade 6 in English Language. You should be aware that the course requires a good deal of reading and writing and a capacity for logical thought.
How is the course assessed?
A level
All three A level papers are assessed by 2 hour written exams, each worth a third of the overall qualification. Each paper will contain four essay questions of which you choose three essays to answer. Each essay will be worth 40 marks.
Reading
To be confirmed at the start of the course
OCR Religious Studies A level Year 1
By Campbell, Wilkinson & Wilcockson
Published by Hodder Education, ISBN ISBN 978 147186 6692
OCR Religious Studies A level Year 2
By Campbell, Wilkinson & Wilcockson
Published by Hodder Education, ISBN ISBN 9978147 186 6746
Exam Board and Specification Codes
A level: OCR H573Â
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