Syllabus Snapshot
GCSE Religion
Exam Board: CCEA
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2 Specification at a Glance ThetablebelowsummarisesthestructureoftheFullandShortcourses.
FullCoursestudentscompletetwoofthenineunits.ShortCoursestudentscompleteoneofthenineunits.
SeeSection1.5fortheprohibitedunitcombinations.
Theschemeofassessmentisflexible.FullCoursestudentscantake:
• bothassessmentunitsattheendoftwoyearsofstudy;or• oneassessmentunitattheendofthefirstyearofstudy,andtheother assessmentunitattheendofthesecondyearofstudy.
Studentscantaketheirassessmentunitsinanyorder.
Content
Assessment
Weightings
Availability
Unit1:TheChristianChurchthroughaStudyoftheCatholicChurchandtheProtestantChurchUnit2:TheChristianChurchwithaFocusonEITHERtheCatholicChurchORtheProtestantChurchUnit3:TheRevelationofGodandtheChristianChurchUnit4:ChristianitythroughaStudyoftheGospelofMatthewUnit5:ChristianitythroughaStudyoftheGospelofMarkUnit6:AnIntroductiontoChristianEthicsUnit7:AnIntroductiontoPhilosophyofReligionUnit8:IslamUnit9:Judaism
ShortCourse:oneexternalwrittenexaminationonstudents’chosenunitlasting1hour30minsFullCourse:twoexternalwrittenexaminations,oneoneachofstudents’chosenunits,lasting1hour30minseach
ShortCourse:writtenexaminationworth100%FullCourse:eachwrittenexaminationworth50%
Summerfrom2018Summerfrom2018
Studentsmusttakeatleast40percentoftheassessment(basedonunitweightings)attheendofthecourseasterminalassessment.
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3 Subject Content Wehavedividedthiscourseintonineunits.Thecontentofeachunitandtherespectivelearningoutcomesappearbelow.3.1 Unit 1: The Christian Church through a Study of the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church ThisunitintroducesstudentstotheChristianChurch,focusingontheCatholicChurchandtheProtestantChurch.Tocoverthecontent,studentsmaylearnaboutadifferentProtestantChurchforeachlearningoutcome.
Content
LearningOutcomes
Thebirth,developmentandbeliefsofthechurch
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• theeventsandmeaningofPentecost(Acts2:1–8);• StPaul’steachingonthechurch(1Cor.12:1–11,14–22, 25–27);• thecharacteristicsoftheEarlyChurch:preaching,teaching,prayer,miracles,hymn-singingandsharing(Matt.10:1,5–14;Acts2:42,44–47;1Cor.11:23–25;James2:14–17;Col.3:12–17);
• theApostles’CreedasasummaryofChristianbelief,truth andmeaning;• howChristianitycametoIreland(bystudyingthelifeandworkofStPatrick);
• howProtestantismemergedasaresultoftheReformation;
KeyleadershiprolesintheCatholicChurchandoneProtestantChurch
• churchstructureintheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch;
• themeaningofordinationintheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch;and
• theroleofthepriestintheCatholicChurchandtheroleoftheministerorpastorinoneProtestantChurch.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Christianworship
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• theMassandanorderofservicefromoneProtestantChurch;
• differentstylesofworshipintheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch:- thetraditionofsingingandmusic;- liturgicalandnon-liturgicalworship;- theimportanceattachedtopreaching;and- theroleoftheBibleinworship;
• differenttypesofprayerandtheirpurposeinChristianworship;
• thesignificanceofthearchitectureofchurchbuildingsandthesymbolismofthemainchurchfurniture:- pulpit;- altarorcommuniontable;- lectern;- tabernacle;and- baptismalfontandbaptismalpool;
• themeaningandpurposeofthechurchfestivalsforChristians:- Advent;- Christmas;- Epiphany;- Lent;- HolyWeekandEaster;- Ascension;- Pentecost;- Saints’Days;and- Harvest;and
Sacramentsandordinances
• theceremony,symbolismandmeaningofbaptismandtheEucharistorCommunion,intheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Theroleofthechurchincontemporarysociety
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• howtheChristianChurchcontributestothelocalcommunityandcommunitycohesion;and
• thechallengetotheChristianChurchofchangingmoralandsocialtrends.
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3.2 Unit 2: The Christian Church with a Focus on EITHER the Catholic Church OR the Protestant ChurchThe Christian Church with a Focus on the Catholic Church ThisoptionintroducesstudentstoChristianbeliefandpractice,focusingontheCatholicChurch.
Content
LearningOutcomes
ThebirthoftheChristianChurchandChristianityinIreland
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• theeventsandmeaningofPentecost(Acts2:1–8);• StPaul’steachingonthechurch(1Cor.12:1–11,14–22, 25–27);• thecharacteristicsoftheEarlyChurch:preaching,teaching,prayer,miracles,hymn-singingandsharing(Matt.10:1,5–14;Acts2:42,44–47;1Cor.11:23–25;James2:14–17;Col.3:12–17);
• theApostles’CreedasasummaryofChristianbelief,truth andmeaning;• howChristianitycametoIreland(bystudyingthelifeandworkofStPatrick);
Churchgovernment
• hierarchyofauthorityintheCatholicChurch;• themeaningofordinationandtheroleofthepriestintheCatholicChurch;
WorshipintheCatholicChurch
• privateworship:- usingtheBible;- prayer;- therosary;and- iconsandstatues;and
• publicworship:theorderoftheMassandthemeaningoftheEucharist.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
WorshipintheCatholicChurch(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• theroleofMaryandtheSaints,includingMaryastheMotherofGodandMaryasguideandrolemodel(forexampleinprayer);
• differenttypesofprayerandtheirpurposeinChristianworship;
• thesignificanceofthearchitectureofchurchbuildingsandthesymbolismofthemainchurchfurniture:- altar;- baptismalfont;- tabernacle;and- ambo;
• themeaningandpurposeofthechurchfestivalsforChristians:- Advent;- Christmas;- Epiphany;- Lent;- HolyWeekandEaster;- Ascension;- Pentecost;and- Saints’Days;
SacramentsintheCatholicChurch
• theceremony,symbolismandmeaningofbaptismandconfirmation;
• themeaningandimportanceoftheSacramentsofReconciliationandAnointingoftheSick;
Theroleofthechurchincontemporarysociety
• howtheChristianChurchcontributestothelocalcommunityandcommunitycohesion;and
• thechallengetotheChristianChurchofchangingmoralandsocialtrends.
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The Christian Church with a Focus on the Protestant Church ThisoptionintroducesstudentstoChristianbeliefandpractice,focusingontheProtestantChurch.Tocoverthecontent,studentsmaylearnaboutadifferentProtestantChurchforeachlearningoutcome.
Content
LearningOutcomes
ThebirthoftheChristianChurchandthedevelopmentofProtestantism
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• theeventsandmeaningofPentecost(Acts2:1–8);• StPaul’steachingonthechurch(1Cor.12:1–11,14–22,25–27);
• thecharacteristicsoftheEarlyChurch:preaching, teaching,prayer,miracles,hymn-singingandsharing (Matt.10:1,5–14;Acts2:42,44–47;1Cor.11:23–25; James2:14–17;Col.3:12–17);• theApostles’CreedasasummaryofChristianbelief, truthandmeaning;• howChristianitycametoIreland(bystudyingthelifeandworkofStPatrick);
• howProtestantismemergedasaresultofthe Reformation;
Churchgovernment
• churchorganisationintwodenominations;• themeaningofordinationandtheroleoftheministerorpastorinoneProtestantChurch;
• thepriesthoodofallbelievers;and
WorshipintheProtestantChurch
• privateworship:- usingtheBible;- prayer;- Biblereadingaids;and- fellowshipmeetings.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
WorshipintheProtestantChurch(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• publicworship:- theorderofserviceofoneProtestantChurch;- thetraditionofsingingandmusic;- liturgicalandnon-liturgicalworship;- theimportanceattachedtopreaching;and- speakingintongues;
• differenttypesofprayerandtheirpurposeinChristianworship;
• beliefsabouttheauthority,inspiration,meaning,purposeandtruthoftheBible;
• thesignificanceofthearchitectureofchurchbuildingsandthesymbolismofthemainchurchfurniture:- pulpit;- communiontable;and- baptismalfontandbaptismalpool;
• themeaningandpurposeofthechurchfestivalsforChristians:- Advent;- Christmas;- Epiphany;- Easter;- Pentecost;and- Harvest;
Sacramentsandordinances
• theceremony,symbolismandmeaningofbaptismandCommunionintwoProtestantChurches;
• confirmationandchurchmembership;
Theroleofthechurchincontemporarysociety
• howtheChristianChurchcontributestothelocalcommunityandcommunitycohesion;and
• thechallengetotheChristianChurchofchangingmoralandsocialtrends.
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3.3 Unit 3: The Revelation of God and the Christian Church ThisunitintroducesstudentstofourthemesintheGospels,basedonthepersonandministryofJesus,andthreethemesthatfocusontheChristianChurch.Studentsenhancetheirknowledgeandunderstandingof,andabilitytoevaluate,keypassages.Theyshouldconsiderthesepassagesbothwithinthereligious,political,socialandculturalcontextofJesus’time,andintermsofhowtheyinfluencecontemporaryChristianlifestyleinallitsdiversity.Studentsshouldrecognisethatsomeofthesetpassagesarerelevanttomorethanonetheme.StudentsalsolearnaboutChristianpracticeandworshipintheworldtodayfromtheperspectiveoftheCatholicChurchandtheProtestantChurch.Tocoverthecontent,studentsmaylearnaboutadifferentProtestantChurchforeachlearningoutcome.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheidentityofJesus
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandsignificanceoftheidentityofJesus,both forHisdisciplesandforChristianstoday,bystudyingkeyeventsrelatingtoHistitlesasSonofGod,Messiah,SonofMan,SonofDavidandSaviour:- thekeyeventssurroundingJesus’birth(Matt.1:18–25;Matt.2:1–12;Luke1:26–45;
Luke2:1–20);- Jesus’baptismandtemptations(Matt.3:13–17; Matt.4:1–11);- Peter’sdeclarationoffaith(Matt.16:13–20);and- Jesus’transfiguration(Matt.17:1–13);and
TheteachingofJesus
• Jesus’teachinganditscontemporarymeaningandsignificance:- thecharacteristicsofdiscipleship(Matt.5:13–16);- Jesus’teachingonprayer(Matt.6:5–15; Luke18:9–14);- Jesus’teachingonforgiveness(Matt.5:38–48; Matt.18:21–35);- Jesus’teachingonwealthandpoverty(Matt.6:24–34;Matt.19:16–30);and
- responsestoHisteachings(Matt.13:1–9,18–23).
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Content
LearningOutcomes
TheencountersofJesuswithothers
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• someofJesus’encounterswithothers:- Jesus’encounterswithreligiousleaders (Matt.23:1–12,23–28);- Jesus’encounterswithwomen(John8:1–11);- Jesus’encounterwithataxcollector(Luke19:1–10);and- Jesus’encounterswithleprosysufferers (Luke17:12–19);
ThedeathandresurrectionofJesus
• themeaningandsignificanceofJesus’deathandresurrectionforChristiantruthandidentity:- theLastSupper(Matt.26:17–30);- Gethsemane(Matt26:36–46);- Jesus’arrest(Matt.26:47–56);- Jesus’trials(Matt.26:57–68;Matt.27:1–2,11–31);- Jesus’death(Matt.27:32–61);- Jesus’resurrection(Luke24:1–12;Matt.28:16–20);and- Jesus’ascension(Luke24:50–53);
TheChristianChurch
• theMassandanorderofservicefromoneProtestantChurch;
• differentstylesofworshipintheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch:- thetraditionofsingingandmusic;- liturgicalandnon-liturgicalworship;- theimportanceattachedtopreaching;and- theroleoftheBibleinworship;
• differenttypesofprayerandtheirpurposeinChristianworship;and
• thesignificanceofthearchitectureofchurchbuildingsandthesymbolismofthemainchurchfurniture:- pulpit;- altarorcommuniontable;- lectern;- tabernacle;and- baptismalfontandbaptismalpool.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
TheChristianChurch(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandpurposeofthechurchfestivalsforChristians:- Advent;- Christmas;- Epiphany;- Lent;- HolyWeekandEaster;- Ascension;- Pentecost;- Saints’Days;and- Harvest;
Sacramentsandordinances
• theceremony,symbolismandmeaningofbaptismandtheEucharistorCommunion,intheCatholicChurchandinoneProtestantChurch;
Theroleofthechurchincontemporarysociety
• howtheChristianChurchcontributestothelocalcommunityandcommunitycohesion;and
• thechallengetotheChristianChurchofchangingmoralandsocialtrends.
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3.4 Unit 4: Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew ThisunitintroducesstudentstofivethemesinthelifeandministryofJesus,asportrayedinMatthew’sGospel.Studentsenhancetheirknowledgeandunderstandingof,andabilitytoevaluate,keypassages.Theyshouldconsiderthesepassagesbothwithinthereligious,political,socialandculturalcontextofJesus’time,andintermsofhowtheyinfluencecontemporaryChristianlifestyleinallitsdiversity.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheidentityofJesus
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandpurposeofthetitlesofJesus,bothforHisdisciplesandforChristianstoday,bystudyingkey
eventsrelatingtoHistitlesasSonofGod,Messiah,SonofMan,SonofDavidandSaviour:- Jesus’birth(Matt.1:18–25);- visitorsfromtheEast(Matt.2:1–16);- theministryofJohntheBaptist(Matt.3:1–17);- thetemptationofJesus(Matt.4:1–11);- Peter’sdeclarationaboutJesus(Matt.16:13–20);- theTransfiguration(Matt.17:1–13);and- Jesus’entryintoJerusalem(Matt.21:1–11).
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Jesusthemiracleworker
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thehealingmiraclesJesusperformed,takingaccountoftheircontroversialnatureandtheircontemporarymeaningandsignificanceforChristiantruthandwitness:- aleprosysufferer(Matt.8:1–4);- aRomanofficer’sservant(Matt.8:5–13);- aparalysedman(Matt.9:1–7);- anofficial’sdaughterandasickwoman (Matt.9:18–26);and- amanwithaparalysedhand(Matt.12:9–14);
TheKingdomofGod
• themeaningandsignificanceofJesus’teachingontheKingdomofGodbothforHislistenersandforcontemporaryChristianvalues:- theParableoftheSowerofSeed(Matt.13:1–9,18–23);- theParableofWeeds(Matt.13:24–30,36–43);- theParableoftheLostSheep(Matt.18:10–14);- theParableoftheWorkersintheVineyard(Matt.20:1–16);and
- theParableoftheWeddingFeast(Matt.22:1–14);and
ThedeathandresurrectionofJesus
• themeaningandsignificanceofJesus’deathandresurrectionforChristiantruthandidentity:- theplotagainstJesus(Matt.26:3–5);- JudasagreestobetrayJesus(Matt.26:14–16);- thePassovermealandtheLastSupper (Matt.26:17–35);- theeventsatGethsemane(Matt.26:36–56);- JesusbeforetheJewishCouncil(Matt.26:57–68);- JesusbeforePilate(Matt.27:1–2,11–26);- Jesusismocked(Matt.27:27–31);- Jesus’crucifixionanddeath(Matt.27:32–61,65–66);and- Jesus’resurrection(Matt.28:1–10).
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Content
LearningOutcomes
TheroleandnatureofChristiandiscipleship
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• Jesus’teachingondiscipleshipconsideredinrelationtomodernpluralistsocietiesandtoissuesofidentity,belonging,meaning,practicalapplication,truthandvalues:- JesuscallsHisdisciples(Matt.4:18–22,9:9–13);- thedemandsofdiscipleship(Matt.5:13–16,16:24–26);- teachingfromtheSermonontheMountonanger,revengeandloveofenemies(Matt.5:21–26,38–48);
- Jesus’attitudetoreligiousobservances(Matt.6:1–18);- Jesus’teachingonforgiveness(Matt.18:21–35);- Jesus’attitudetomoneyandwealth(Matt.22:15–22,19:16–26);
- thepressureofdiscipleship(Matt.26:69–75);and- theGreatCommission(Matt.28:16–20).
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3.5 Unit 5: Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark
ThisunitintroducesstudentstofivethemesinthelifeandministryofJesus,asportrayedinMark’sGospel.Studentsenhancetheirknowledgeandunderstandingof,andabilitytoevaluate,keypassages.Theyshouldconsiderthesepassagesbothwithinthereligious,political,socialandculturalcontextofJesus’time,andintermsofhowtheyinfluencecontemporaryChristianlifestyleinallitsdiversity.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheidentityofJesus
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandsignificanceoftheidentityofJesus,both forHisdisciplesandforChristianstoday,bystudyingkeyeventsrelatingtoHistitlesasSonofGod,Messiah,SonofMan,SonofDavidandSaviour:- theministryofJohntheBaptist(Mark1:1–13);- calmingthestorm(Mark4:35–41);- Jesusfeedsthe5000(Mark6:30–44);- Peter’sdeclarationaboutJesus(Mark8:27–33);- theTransfiguration(Mark9:2–13);- therequestofJamesandJohn(Mark10:35–45);- blindBartimaeus(Mark10:46–52);and- Jesus’entryintoJerusalem(Mark11:1–11).
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Jesusthemiracleworker
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thehealingmiraclesJesusperformed,takingaccountoftheircontroversialnatureandtheircontemporarymeaningandsignificanceforChristiantruthandwitness:- amanwithanevilspirit(Mark1:21–28);- Jesushealsmanypeople(Mark1:29–34);- amanwithadreadedskindisease(Mark1:40–45);- aparalysedman(Mark2:1–12);- amanwithaparalysedhand(Mark3:1–6);- Jairus’daughter(Mark5:21–24,35–43);- awomanwithahaemorrhage(Mark5:25–34);- theSyro-Phoenicianwoman’sdaughter (Mark7:24–30);and- aboywithanevilspirit(Mark9:14–29);and
TheteachingofJesus
• themeaningandsignificanceofJesus’teachingontheKingdomofGodandtheSabbathinrelationtocontemporaryChristianvaluesandcommitments:- thecomingoftheKingdom(Mark1:14–15);- Jesus’attitudetotheSabbath(Mark2:23–28); - theParableoftheSower(Mark4:1–20); - theParableoftheLamponaStand(Mark4:21–23);- theParableoftheGrowingSeed(Mark4:26–29);- theParableoftheMustardSeed(Mark4:30–32);- Jesusandthechildren(Mark10:13–16);- entryintotheKingdom(Mark10:17–31);and- theGreatestCommand(Mark12:28–34).
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Content
LearningOutcomes
ThedeathandresurrectionofJesus
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandsignificanceofJesus’deathandresurrectionforChristiantruthandidentity:- Jesusgoestothetemple(Mark11:15–19);- theplotagainstJesus(Mark14:1–2);- JudasagreestobetrayJesus(Mark14:10–11);- thePassovermealandtheLastSupper (Mark14:12–26);- JesuspredictsPeter’sdenial(Mark14:27–31);- theeventsintheGardenofGethsemane (Mark14:32–50);
- JesusbeforetheJewishCouncil(Mark14:53–65);- theRomantrialandmocking(Mark15:1–20);- Jesus’crucifixionanddeath(Mark15:21–41);- Jesus’burial(Mark15:42–47);and- Jesus’resurrection(Mark16:1–8);and
TheroleandnatureofChristiandiscipleship
• Jesus’teachingondiscipleshipconsideredinrelationtomodernpluralistsocietiesandtoissuesofidentity,belonging,meaning,purpose,truth,valuesandcommunitycohesion:- JesuscallsHisdisciples(Mark1:16–20;2:13–17);- JesuschoosestheTwelve(Mark3:13–19);- thechallengeofwitnessing(Mark6:1–6);- themissionoftheTwelve(Mark6:7–13); - thecostofbeingadisciple(Mark8:34–38); - copingwithtemptation(Mark9:42–50);- thequestionaboutpayingtaxes(Mark12:13–17);- thewidow’soffering(Mark12:41–44);and- thepressureofdiscipleship(Mark14:66–72).
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3.6 Unit 6: An Introduction to Christian Ethics Thisunitintroducesstudentstoethicsinthestudyofreligion.Studentsexplorepersonalandfamilyissues,mattersoflifeanddeath,developmentsinbioethics,contemporaryissuesinChristianityandmodernwarfare.
Content
LearningOutcomes
Personalandfamilyissues
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• Christianviewsonthemeaningandpurposeofsexualrelationships,takingaccountofthediversityofethicalpositionswithinChristianity,includingtheroleandimportanceofcelibacy;
• attitudestowardssame-sexrelationships,consideringtherangeofChristianviews;
• Christianteachingsaboutthebenefitsandchallengesofmarriageanddivorce,takingaccountofthediversityofethicalpositionswithinChristianity;
• differenttypesoffamilyandtheimportanceofthefamilyunitinsociety;
• alternativestomarriage,includingcivilpartnershipsandcohabitation;
Suggestedtexts:Genesis2:24;Exodus20:14;Matthew19:7–9;Mark10:9;ICorinthians7:10–11;Ephesians5:25–33;Ephesians6:1–4
Mattersoflifeanddeath
• thedebateaboutabortion,takingaccountofsocial,political,biblical,churchandotherethicalviewpoints;
• theviewsofpro-lifeandpro-choicegroups,thestatusoftheembryo,sanctityoflifeandalternativestoabortion;
• thedebateabouteuthanasia,takingaccountofsocial,political,biblical,churchandotherethicalviewpoints,andthedistinctionbetweenthedifferenttypesofeuthanasia(passiveandactive,voluntaryandinvoluntary);and
• thecontributionoftheHospicemovement.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Mattersoflifeanddeath(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thedebateaboutcapitalpunishment,takingaccountofsocial,political,biblical,churchandotherethicalviewpoints;
• theaimsofpunishment,includingdeterrence,protection,reform,vindicationandretribution;
• theissuesofrepentance,forgiveness,justiceandrestorativejustice;Suggestedtexts:Genesis1:27;Genesis9:6;Exodus20:13;Exodus21:24;Psalm139:13–16(a);Jeremiah1:5;Matthew5:38–42;Luke1:39–44;Romans13:1
Developmentsinbioethics
• thenatureofhumaninfertilityandthemeanstoovercomeit;
• theroleofinvitrofertilisationtreatmentinovercominghumaninfertilityandissuesarisingfromthistreatment;
• thestatusoftheembryo,andthemoralproblemsassociatedwithdestroyedembryosandembryoexperimentation;
• theissuessurroundinghumansurrogacy;• theroleoftheHumanFertilisationandEmbryologyAuthorityinregulatingdevelopmentsinbioethics;and
• biblicalandchurchteachingthatisrelevanttonewreproductivetechnologies.
Suggestedtexts:Exodus20:13;Psalm139:13–16(a);Jeremiah1:5;ISamuel1:9–18
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Content
LearningOutcomes
ContemporaryissuesinChristianity
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thecausesandtypesofprejudiceanddiscrimination,includingrace,religion,genderanddisability;
• biblicalandchurchopinionsonprejudiceanddiscrimination;
• Bibleteachingonresponsibilitytowardspeopleinneed;
• thecausesandcharacteristicsoflocal,nationalandglobalpoverty,andthedistinctionbetweenabsoluteandrelativepoverty;
• theworkofoneorganisationfightingpovertyandinjustice,forexampleChristianAid,StVincentdePaul,SalvationArmyorTrócaire;
• waysinwhichindividualsandcommunitiescanrespondtoandsupportbothfairtradeandcampaignsforjustice;
Suggestedtexts:Genesis1:27;Amos5:24;Matthew6:1–4;Matthew7:12;Matthew22:39;Matthew25:31–46;Luke10:25–37;Galatians3:28
Modernwarfare
• thecausesofwar,andtheJustWartraditioninChristianityanditscontinuingrelevancefortoday;
• theethicsofmodernwarfare,includingtheuseofweaponsofmassdestruction,andthemoralityofnucleardeterrence;
• thedebateaboutthehumanandeconomiccostofwar,andthevictimsofwar,includingrefugees,childsoldiersandinnocentcivilians;and
• thedebateaboutpacifism,takingaccountofdifferentreligiousandethicalviewpoints.
Suggestedtexts:Ecclesiastes3:1,3,8;Matthew5:9;Matthew5:38–39;Matthew26:52
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3.7 Unit 7: An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion Thisunitintroducesstudentstophilosophicalideasinthestudyofreligion.StudentsexploreissuessurroundingtheexistenceofGod,thenatureofGod,howpeoplerelatetoGodandtheproblemofeviland/orsuffering.Studentscanexploretheseissuesfromanyreligiousornon-religiousperspective.However,whereindicatedbelow,sometopicsrequirethemtobefamiliarwiththeresponsesandteachingoftwodifferentworldreligions.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheexistenceofGod
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningofthetermstheist,atheistandagnostic;• argumentsfortheexistenceofGod,includingthestrengthsandweaknessesofeachandevidencetosupportorrejecteachargument:- theFirstCauseargumentandThomasAquinas;- theargumentfromdesignandWilliamPaley;- theargumentfromreligiousexperience;and- themoralargument;
• thedebatebetweencreationismandscienceabouttheoriginoftheuniverse:- creationstoriesfromtwodifferentworldreligions;- theviewsoftwodifferentworldreligionsonhowpeoplerelatetotheuniverseandtheplaceofhumanityinthecreatedorder;and
- scientificideasabouttheoriginsoftheuniverseandpeople,includingabasicunderstandingoftheBigBangandevolutionarytheories;
ThenatureofGod
• waysofunderstandinganddescribingGod,usingthefollowingterms:- immanenceandtranscendence;- omnipotent,omniscient,omnipresentandomnibenevolent;
- knowableandunknowable;and- monotheismandpolytheism;and
• contrastingbeliefsaboutthenatureofGod.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Theproblemofeviland/orsuffering
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thedifferencebetweennaturalsufferingandmoralevil;
• theoriesabouttheorigin,natureandpurposeofeviland/orsuffering;
• howtheexistenceofeviland/orsufferingchallengestheexistenceofGodandreligioustruth,andtheissuespresentedbyinnocentsufferingandGod’sprovidence;
• twodifferentwaysinwhichworldreligionsexplaintheexistenceofeviland/orsufferingintheworld;
ExperiencingGod
• differentwaysinwhichbelieversexperienceGodintwoworldreligions,includinghowGodisrevealedthrough:- sacredtexts;- religiousleadersandreligiousexample;and- worship;
• thenatureandimportanceofrevelation,includingthedifferencebetweengeneralandspecialrevelation,andaconsiderationofwhetherrevelationcanleadtoreligiousfaith;
• examplesofrevelationfromsacredtexts,historyandthemodernworld,including:- answeredandunansweredprayer;- miracles;and- visions;
• challengestoreligiousexperience,includinghallucinations,wish-fulfilmentorlackofevidence;
Lifeafterdeath
• twodifferentwaysinwhichworldreligionsunderstandtheafterlife,includingbeliefinresurrection,reincarnationandfinaljudgement;and
• non-religiousviewsofthesoulandtheafterlife.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Lifeafterdeath(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• possible‘proofs’oflifeafterdeath,includingneardeathexperiencesandclaimstohaverememberedpastlives,andopinionsabouttheextenttowhichtheseexperiencesarerealorillusory;and
• howdifferentbeliefsintheafterlifeaffectthewaybelieversliveinthislife.
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3.8 Unit 8: Islam ThisunitintroducesstudentstothestudyofIslam,focusingonIslamasalivingreligion.StudentsexploretheformativehistoryofIslam,itssacredwritings,beliefsandpractices,festivals,specialdays,ritesofpassageandcontemporaryissues.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheformativehistoryofIslam
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thelifeandcareerofMuhammadaccordingtothedifferenttraditionsofIslam;
• thecareersandachievementsofthefourRightly-GuidedCaliphs;
Sacredwritings
• theoriginsoftheQur’anasrevelationsgiventoMuhammad;
• thenatureandmeaningoftheQur’anandtheprocessbywhichitwascompiled;
• thesignificanceandpurposeofthetraditions(Sunnah,Hadith)oftheProphetandhiscompanionsforthepracticeofIslam;
• themeaning,purposeandrelevanceofSharia,thereligiouslawofIslam,asappliedindifferentcommunities;
Beliefsandpractices
• theunityandnatureofGodinIslam;• therelevanceandroleofprophetsinIslam;• thepurposeandpracticeoftheFivePillarsofIslam,asinterpretedinSunniandShi’atraditions:- Shahada;- Salah;- Sawm;- Hajj;and- Zakat;and
• theidentityanddiversityofdifferingtraditionsinIslam:- Sunni;- Shi’a;and- Sufi.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Beliefsandpractices(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• Muslimteachingaboutresurrection,judgementandlifeafterdeath;
• themeaningandpurposeofpublicworship,referringtoboththemosque(includingitsdesignandsymbolism)andtheImam;
• themeaningandpurposeofpersonalworship,referringtothedailyprayercycleandreligiousobservanceinthehome;
Festivals,specialdaysandritesofpassage
• themeaningandpurposeofthechieffestivalsandspecialdaysofIslam:- Ramadan;- Eid-ul-Fitr;and- Eid-ul-Adha;
• theroleandimportanceof:- birthrites;- marriageandthemarriageceremony(consideringalsothenatureandroleofdivorce);and
- funeralandmourningrites;
Contemporaryissues
• theroleandstatusofwomen;• issuesrelatingtopersonallifestyle:- diet:
foodpreparation;haramandhalalastheyrelatetofood;andtheprohibitionofalcohol;
- dress:thehijab;andtheconceptofmodesty;and
- attitudestomoney:gambling;andthepayingofinterest(usury);and
• thepracticeofIslaminanon-Muslimsociety.
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3.9 Unit 9: Judaism ThisunitintroducesstudentstothestudyofJudaism,focusingonJudaismasalivingreligion.StudentsexploretheformativehistoryofJudaism,itssacredwritings,beliefsandpractices,festivals,specialdays,ritesofpassageandcontemporaryissues.
Content
LearningOutcomes
TheformativehistoryofJudaism
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• thecallofAbrahamandofMoses;• thenatureandpurposeofGod’scovenantwiththeJews andtheirresponsibilitiestoHim;
• theimportanceofJerusalemandthelandofIsraelfor Judaism,asinterpretedbydifferenttraditionsofJudaism;
Sacredwritings • themeaningofthethreedivisionsoftheHebrewBible:- Torah;- Nevi’im;and- Ketuvim;
• theoriginsandformationoftheMishnahandtheTalmudandtheirrelevanceforcontemporaryJudaism;
Beliefsandpractices
• theidentityanddiversityofdifferingtraditionswithinJudaism:- Orthodox;- Reform;and- Liberal;
• teachingsonthenatureofGod;• theroleofTorahandofmitzvotinJewishlife,asinterpretedbydifferenttraditionsofJudaism;and
• themeaningandpurposeofpublicworship,referringto:- theroleofthesynagogue;- Shabbat;and- theRabbiandtheChazan.
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Content
LearningOutcomes
Beliefsandpractices(cont.)
Studentsshouldbeabletodemonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingof,andcriticallyevaluate:
• themeaningandpurposeofpersonalworship,referringtodailyprayerandreligiousobservanceinthehome;
Festivals,specialdaysandritesofpassage
• themeaningandpurposeofthechieffestivalsandspecialdaysofJudaism:- RoshHashanah;- YomKippur;- Pesach;and- Sukkot;
• theroleandimportanceof:- theBritMilahandthenamingofgirls;- theBarMitzvahandBatMitzvah;- themarriageceremony(consideringalsothenatureandroleofdivorce);and
- theceremoniesandritesassociatedwithdeath;
Contemporaryissues
• theroleandstatusofwomen;• issuesrelatingtopersonallifestyle:- dietarylaws:kosherandterefah,andtheseparationofmilkandmeat;
- orthodoxdress;and- prejudiceanddiscrimination,andtheJewishexperienceofpersecution;and
• howaninfluentialJewcontributestowardscontemporarysociety.