Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Examining Board – OCR

Subject Content

The course examines two separate areas of Religious Studies, The Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics.

Within the study of Philosophy you will examine Religion and Science, evil and suffering and Ancient Greek influences on the Philosophy of Religion. This includes the study of ancient scholars such as Plato and Aristotle.

Within Religious Ethics you will study theories on human behaviour and its consequences, Christian influences on our morals and ethics and the application of Ethical Theory to modern day social issues such as abortion and animal testing.

Methods of Study

Teaching and learning strategies for this subject include teacher led sessions, student led sessions, presentations, group work, discussion and debate (whole group, small group, one-to-one), brainstorming, tutorials, annotation of handouts, video and film analysis, reading, visiting speakers and external visits, philosophy conferences, independent work (e.g. note making, answering questions etc). You will need to be an independent learner, prepared to enhance your own knowledge and understanding through your own efforts.

Methods of Assessment

AS Level

Unit 1: The Philosophy of Religion

  • Challenges to Religious Belief
  • Traditional Arguments for the Existence of God
  • Ancient Greek influences on Philosophy of Religion
  • Judaeo-Christian influences on Philosophy of Religion
  • Written Examination lasting 1hr 30minutes

Unit 2: Religious Ethics

  • Ethical Theory including Natural Law
  • Applied Ethical theories to Abortion, Euthanasia, War and Peace and Animal Testing.
  • Written Examination lasting 1hr 30minutes

A2 Level

UNIT 3: Philosophy of Religion

  • Life and Death Miracles
  • Nature of God
  • Religious Experience
  • Written Examination lasting 1hr 30minutes

UNIT 4: Religious Ethics

  • The Conscience
  • Free Will and Determination
  • Virtue Ethics
  • Written Examination lasting 1hr 30minutes

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge of this subject is required. This course will build upon some of your knowledge and understanding of key concepts examined in KS3 & 4. Standard College entry requirements apply.