A-Levels - Religious Studies

Program Description It makes no difference if you are a theist (believer in God), atheist (non-believer in God) or agnostic (undecided about God), Religious Studies could offer students an interesting and vibrant option at both AS and A Level with plenty of opportunities for thought-provoking religious, ethical and philosophical debate. AS candidates complete two options:

Unit 1 - Introduction to Eastern Religions: Buddhism The Life of the Buddha

Key Buddhist Concepts (karma, nirvana) Buddhist Lifestyle (lives of monks, nuns and lay community) Buddhist Practices (worship and meditation)

Unit 2 - Introduction to Religion and Ethics and Philosophy of Religion Aquinas' 'natural law' ethical theory

Utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill) Flecther's situation ethics based on love Applied ethics Inductive arguments of God's existence Deductive arguments of God's existence The problem of evil and suffering Religous experience There are three further units at A Level:

Unit 3 - Religion and Ethics Unit 4 - Studies in Buddhism Unit 5 - Philosophy of Religion Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of these ideas but also their evaluative skills.