Religous Studies

Religious Studies (or Theology, as it is sometimes called), can involve a number of quite varied options at A level. Essentially, religion is about man’s search for meaning in life. It endeavours to answer such key questions as: who am I? (what is the nature of humanity?); where am I? (what is the meaning and nature of the world around me?); how should I live? (is there right and wrong?); what happens when I die? While the present day and age may not on the surface appear to be a religious society, it has often been observed, and rightly so, that man is essentially a religious creature. Every society in history has grappled with questions of religion and even such twentieth century philosophies as Marxism, secular humanism or scientific rationalism are answering religious questions, even if they do not incorporate the idea of a god into their answers. Much of human history has been fundamentally shaped by the ideas and systems that the great historical religions have produced and religion has proved over centuries to be one of the most powerful motivators of human activity (whether for good or ill). In view of this, one could claim that Religious Studies ought to be a subject that every responsible, thoughtful person would want to explore.

Who does it suit? From what has already been said you can probably see that Religious Studies is a subject that covers a very wide range of issues and skills. Most people do not study RS because they want to become theologians or to work in the church (although if these are possible future vocations, you probably should be studying RS at A level). Nor do you have to have any strong religious views yourself (RS involves exploring and challenging religious convictions). You will enjoy RS if you are interested in the type of issues it covers; you will be good at it if you can train yourself to think logically and accurately, to understand a range of theories and to evaluate them critically, to study primary source material carefully and to represent the ideas of others fairly, and to write clear, well-organised essays. RS is principally a subject that involves reading and essay writing, so your ability in subjects such as English and History at GCSE may indicate your likely suitability for the subject at A level. You do not need to have studied RS at GCSE.

The Department

At d’Overbroeck’s you will probably be taught either individually or, more likely, in a small group with tutors who are experts in the particular options you have chosen. You will be expected to study on your own between classes and to write essays once or twice a week. Your tutor will concentrate on ensuring that you have a good understanding of all the material and that you know exactly how to write the type of answers that are needed for A level.

Higher Education

Religous Studies is a fascinating subject which will train you in skills of analysis, logical thought, empathy and literacy. These are quite clearly skills which will prepare you well for both university and beyond.