The Religious Studies course gives you the opportunity to explore the three key strands of religion, philosophy and ethics in depth. There will be the opportunity to discuss and debate ideas both within the classroom and beyond, with trips to key talks and exhibitions and a planned visit to the home of Ancient Philosophy in Athens.
Subject Information
In Philosophy of religion learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. They will also explore philosophical language and thought, through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in issues or debates in the philosophy of religion.
Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory will also be applied to issues of importance; namely euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics.
Developments in Christian thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of Christianity. This will include the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues.
Course Details
This course encourages you to think for yourself in a careful, clear and critical way. You will read original philosophical texts and engage in lively classroom discussion and debate to help you refine your ideas about a wide range of philosophical theories and ethical dilemmas.
Year 12 Topics covered
Philosophy and Ethics A level is split into three components which are equally weighted.
Philosophy of Religion – philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief
- Ancient Greek influences
- The Problem of Evil
- Religious experience
- Arguments based on reason
- Arguments based on observation
- Soul, Mind and Body
Religion and Ethics – the study of ethical language and thought
- Natural Moral Law
- Situation Ethics
- Kantian Ethics
- Utilitarianism
- Euthanasia
- Business Ethics
Developments in Christian Thought – systematic study of Christian beliefs, values, teachings and practices
- Augustine and human nature
- Death and the afterlife
- Knowledge of God’s existence
- The person of Jesus Christ
- Christian moral principles
- Christian moral action
Year 13 Topics covered
Philosophy of Religion – philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief
- The Nature and Attributes of God
- Religious language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic
- Twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparisons
Religion and Ethics – the study of ethical language and thought
- Meta-ethical theories
- Conscience
- Sexual Ethics
Developments in Christian Thought – systematic study of Christian beliefs, values, teachings, and practices
- Liberation theology and Marx
- The Challenge of Secularism
- Gender -Theology and Society
- Religious pluralism – society and theology
Assessment Is 100% Exam
Unit Code | Unit Title | Term when will this be taught (2 year course) | Assessment Details | Assessment Weighting | Length of exam |
H573/01 | Philosophy of Religion | Term 1 of year 12 and year 13 | Complete three out of the four essay questions. | 33.3% | 120 marks – 2 hour written paper |
H573/02 | Religious Ethics | Term 2 of year 12 and 13 | Complete three out of the four essay questions. | 33.3% | 120 marks – 2 hour written paper |
H573/03 | Developments in Christian Thought | Term 3 of year 12 and 13 | Complete three out of the four essay questions. | 33.3% | 120 marks – 2 hour written paper |
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE English.
Where could Religion, Philosophy and Ethics take me?
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics is highly valued by top universities as one of the most intellectually challenging A levels. It hones your skills of analysis and your ability to construct solid arguments, a skill that is directly transferable to most academic and job training courses. As a humanities-based subject RPE will open a range of pathways post-18 including law, forensics, journalism, social work, arts, and public services.
Reading Lists
Essential Textbook incl ISBN
- OCR Religious Studies A Level Year 1 and AS
ISBN: 978-1471866692
Secondary textbook
- Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR: AS and Year 1 Student Book: Christianity, Philosophy and Ethics
ISBN: 978-0198392859
Websites
Novels
- Sophie’s World
- The Sage Train
- Sophie’s Choice
- A Man for all Seasons
- The Brothers Karamazov
Books
- Bible Matters – Peter and Charlotte Vardy
- God Matters – Peter and Charlotte Vardy
- Ethics Matters – Peter and Charlotte Vardy
- The Puzzle of Christianity – Peter Vardy
- Justice – Michael Sandel
- Christian Theology – Michael Wilcockson
- Religious Studies Bundle – Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, Religious Thought: OCR Revision Guides New Spec Year 1 – Peter Baron
