A-Level Religious, Philosophy, Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought

What will I be learning?

The course consists of three components. These will be as follows:

Philosophy of Religion
Including: ancient philosophical influences, the nature of the soul, mind and body, arguments about the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and impact of religious experience, the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil, ideas about the nature of God, issues in religious language
Ethics and Applied Ethics
Including: normative ethical theories, the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance, ethical language and thought, debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience, sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs
Development in Christian Thought
Including: religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world, sources of religious wisdom and authority, practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition, • significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought, key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

How will I be assessed?

During the course students essay writing skills are assessed at the end of each unit of study.
The end of course assessment consists of three exams, one for each component, lasting 2 hours each.

Independent study opportunities

Students are set a variety of independent study tasks as well as having the opportunity to attend various conferences, following up film suggestions and developing their knowledge through private reading.

What resources do I need?

Students will need two textbooks:
Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR: AS and Year 1 Student Book: Christianity, Philosophy and Ethics
Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR: Christianity, Philosophy and Ethics

Will I go on any trips?

We are currently looking into the opportunity for students to visit Rome. Students can attend ‘Philosophy Walks’ which are offered in a variety of locations in London: many other opportunities are shared as they become available.

What careers could this lead on to?

Anything. The world is your oyster with strong philosophical skills because it develops your abilities to reason, question and analyse. The following people have degrees in philosophy:
Harrison Ford - Actor
Bruce Lee - martial arts & actor
Ricky Gervais- comedian and actor
Christy Turlington-model and business woman
Matt Groening-creator and writer of the Simpsons
Moby-musician
Many politicians!