Page 37 - Seaford College Sixth Form Options Booklet 2023

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion A Level (OCR)
Head of Department:
Mr A Stark
Teaching Staff:
Mr A Stark
Miss M Hamilton
Overview
The Philosophy, Ethics and Religion A Level explores the development of Christian theology through cultivating an understanding of and appreciation for the related disciplines of ethics and philosophy. Being both literature-rich and highly discursive, this course will engage learners in critical and reflexive analyses in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious and philosophical ideas and ethical conundrums. By examining both ancient and modern philosophies, students engage with newly-emerged and contemporarily relevant discussions such as, for example, liberation theology and post-modern critiques of language and power, making the course academically and practically stimulating.
Course Content
1. Philosophy (33%)
Topics covered: Plato
and Aristotle; Soul, Mind and Body; Empiricism; Rationalism; Religious Experience; The Problem of Evil; The Nature of God; Religious Language; 20th Century Perspectives on Religious Language.
2. Ethics (33%)
Topics covered: Natural Moral Law; Situation Ethics; Kantian Ethics; Utilitarianism; Euthanasia; Business Ethics; Metaethics; Conscience; Sexual Ethics.
3. Christian Developments (33%)
Topics covered: Augustine; Death and the Afterlife; Knowledge of God; The Person of Jesus; Christian Moral Principles; Christian Moral Action; Pluralism and Theology; Pluralism and Society; Gender and Society; Gender and Theology; Secularism; Liberation Theology and Karl Marx.
Expectations
Students should be highly philosophically inquisitive and possess an aptitude
for abstract thinking self- reflexivity. Autonomy, organisation, as well as a thorough discursive and academic engagement
will be critical for students seeking to excel. To this
end, all students are given access to a digital course companion to supplement their classroom experience and which they are expected to utilise independently.
Future Pathway
The breadth of this course and skills it typically cultivates positions it as an excellent preparation for a variety of academic and professional pursuits. Be that within the fields of Philosophy and Theology or within the human sciences. It can also prepare students interested in law, economics, marketing, journalism, teaching and social work.
Key Skills
Textual analysis, devising, theatrical design, debate, presenting, public speaking and the ability to use a variety of media software.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Grade 6 at GCSE English Literature or Language, and in a Humanities subject, if taken; Religious Studies is ideal but not essential.
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