Philosophy, Ethics and DCT

Course Overview

Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is the study and analysis of the world and people to understand why they behave as they do and how their approach to the world impacts on their actions.

The beauty of Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is that it allows for personal reflection, discussion, and the formation of argument and the debating of relevant ethical ideas. Your lessons will allow you to deepen your thoughts and ideas, challenge traditional concepts and arguments and articulate your reasoning and evaluation of moral issues.

This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. You will develop your skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

OCR’s A Level Religious Studies course aims to engage you thoroughly and develop an interest in Philosophy, Ethics and DCT which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world.

How is the Course Structured?

Philosophy of religion – 33.3% of A Level and a 2 hour exam You will study:

Ancient philosophical influences

The nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God

The nature and impact of religious experience

The challenge for religious belief and the problem of evil Ideas about the nature of God Issues in religious language.

Religion and Ethics – 33.3% of A Level and a 2-hour exam You will study:

Normative ethical theories: Natural Moral Law, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics

The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance: Euthanasia and Business Ethics

Meta Ethics

Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief

Developments in Religious Thought – 33.3% of A Level and a 2 hour exam

You will study:

  1. Augustine’s teaching on human nature
  2. Death and the afterlife
  3. Knowledge of God’s existence
  4. The person of Jesus Christ
  5. Christian moral principles
  6. Christian moral action
  7. Religious pluralism and theology 
  8. Religious pluralism and society
  9. Gender and religion
  10. Gender and society
  11. The challenge of secularism

Examination Board:

OCR

Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies (if studied at school) and grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.

Course Level:

A Level

What skills will I develop?

Analysing
Critical thinking
Evaluating
Interpreting complex text
Constructing essays/extended essay writing
Communicating religious, ethical and philosophical concepts and applying them to everyday life
Empathy/listening skills
Understanding different cultures and traditions
Think for yourself!
Discover and justify your own beliefs

How will I be assessed?

0%
Assessment
100%
Exam

Is there anything else I should know?

There is no coursework in Philosophy, Ethics and DCT.

Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is designed to teach you analytical and evaluative ability and is therefore useful to study alongside any subject.

Progression Routes

The skills of evaluation and analysis that Philosophy, Ethics and DCT  teaches you is applicable to almost any walk of life. Religious Studies can prepare you for anything that you want to do.

According to AGCAS – the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service. RE/Theology graduates go into a wide range of careers. However they, and employers, feel that it particularly prepares students for the following careers:

Financial Services sector 

Legal sector

Medicine

Politics

Consultancy Journalism

Media sector 

Education sector 

Publishing sector 

Social Care sector 

Voluntary sector 

Social & Pastoral Care 

Community work