A-Level Religious Studies – Philosophy and Ethics

A Level Religious Studies – Philosophy and Ethics

Specification: Edexcel

Method of Assessment: Examination – 100%

Course Overview:

Over the two years, students will study Islam with Quranic text, wisdom sources, traditions and teachings.

Students will be studying philosophical and ethical questions which will help them to critically analyse the religion. Students will study Islam primarily but this does not mean that other religions will not be discussed. Religious studies is a thought provoking subject and the contemporary themes will help to inspire engaging classroom discussion.

The course is 100% examination with the students sitting 3 examinations; one in the Philosophy of Religion, one in Ethics and one in Islam.

Units Studied:

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion 33.3%

In depth study of Philosophical issues and questions;. The following topics will be studied throughout AS and A2.

AS Topics:

God

Life after death

Sources of wisdom and authority

Arguments for the existence of God

Evil and suffering

Religious experience

Design argument

Cosmological Argument

Unit 2: Ethics 33.3%

In depth study of how ethical theory has underpinned Christian teachings. The following topics will be studied throughout AS and A2.

AS Topics:

Natural Moral Law

Environemental issues

Equality

Virtue Ethics

Situation Ethics

Personhood

Abortion

Embryo research

Euthanasia

Animal rights

A2 Topics:

Unit 2: Study of Religion- Islam 33.3%

A2 Topics:

The origins and features of the differences between the teachings of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
The importance of the rightly guided Caliphs in Islam

The significance of the martyrdom of Hussain in Shi’a history

The development of the rise in Sufism in Islam

The relationship between Islam  and science

Comparative study of Jihad with the work of the scholars

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of 7 GCSE’s at grade 5 or above or equivalent, including English (Literature or Language) and Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in Religious Studies.

Reading Materials / Resources:

The Puzzle of Ethics – Peter Vardy

The Puzzle of God – Peter Vardy

Sophie’s world – Jostein Gaarder

http://www.rsrevision.com/Alevel/

Career Opportunities

Literature is a well-respected degree with many employers. It can lead to a gateway of opportunities including:

• Teaching
• Law
• Civil Service
• Teaching
• Media and PR

Philosophy and Ethics gives excellent transferrable skills, including comparison, analysis and reasoning which are recognised by UCAS and beyond.

For more information, please contact Ms Suleman c/o sixthform@harristottenham.org.uk

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