Higher Religious Moral & Philosophical Studies

Welcome

You are one of the chosen few who have willingly decided to embark on a journey of discovery and thinking that may lead to enlightenment! The chances are that by choosing this course you are of higher intelligence than most, you are possibly dissatisfied with life at present and you feel that there is more to life than liposuction, fast cars, a huge wardrobe and shiny bits of metal.

Even if none of the above refers to you… you are still welcome!

In our quest over the next 12 months you will find answers. It might not be easy, it might involve some determination and it may even involve the destruction of old ideas. However, if we want to build a cabin we must first cut down the tree! If we want to get fit we must get up off the sofa!

You will be exposed to ideas and beliefs that are not your own and then you will have to assess them and respond to them. This is not easy at first because we must first learn new beliefs, words, concepts and values. However we have already established – you are of higher intelligence than most and you are not alone…!

Course Overview

UNIT 1 – WORLD RELIGION ~ BUDDHISM

THE HUMAN CONDITION ~ What is it? What is the cause of it?

THE GOALS ~ What are the goals during life? What is the final aim of existence?

THE MEANS ~ How are the goals achieved? Which practices help achieve the goals?

UNIT 2 – MORALITY IN THE MODERN WORLD

AREA 1 - HOW DO PEOPLE MAKE MORAL DECISIONS? ~ The relationship between religion and moral values. The guiding principles when making a moral decision.

AREA 2 – A STUDY OF A MORAL ISSUE (GENDER) ~ Gender stereotyping and Economic issues relating to gender issues.

UNIT 3 – CHRISTIANITY: BELIEF AND SCIENCE

AREA 1 – SOURCES OF HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.

How do we come to know things?

Does God tell us? (Revelation).

Do we find out for ourselves? (Scientific enquiry).

AREA 2 – WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE?

Created by God or the product of the Big Bang?

AREA 3 – WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE?

Created by God or has human life evolved as a result of the process of evolution?

The Final Exams

Exam papers – there are two question papers.

The total mark allocation is 120 marks – Paper 1 has an allocation of 80 marks and paper 2 has an allocation of 40 marks.

The total exam time is 2 hours 40 minutes – has a time allocation of 2 hours 40 minutes - Paper 1 lasts 1hour 45 minutes and paper 2 lasts 55 minutes. There is a break of 20 minutes between Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Class /Course Expectations

• You will be expected to bring pens, pencils and a HIGHLIGHTER.
• Students are expected to bring with them to class the appropriate folder, textbook, etc. You will be issued with a ring binder and textbooks suitable for each area of the course.
• Attendance to the class is compulsory and any unexplained absence will be investigated.
• You are expected to arrive punctually so that lessons can begin promptly.
• You will be revising largely from your own handwritten notes therefore you should ensure that these notes are neat, well organised and up to date. It is your responsibility to make up your notes from any classes missed through absence.
• You will be expected to come prepared for lessons. This includes having done any reading, homework or preparation for tests.
• You should remember that you will need to concentrate and focus on the tasks set – this is a Higher!

You can expect your teacher to use a variety of learning and teaching styles. These may include the use of video resources, PowerPoint presentations and Internet research. Your teacher will endeavour to make the environment as user friendly as possible and we all benefit from a good working atmosphere.

Simple Rules For Success

Say what you want in words that are clear and as simple as possible.

ALWAYS give reasons for your opinion.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or if you are unsure of what something means – you are probably not the only one who is wondering.

Be willing to accept constructive criticism – the focus is on the word ‘constructive.’

In discussions – keep to the point.

Listen/read the arguments of others then judge your response to them.

Respect each other as a source of knowledge and understanding. They may well be able to provide a slightly different perspective to the issues. You can help each other ~ we should ensure that everyone understands the topic/issues being covered.

Enjoy!