Studies of Religion

One unit for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Studies of Religion?

There are no prerequisites for Studies of Religion.

The Year 11 course provides all necessary background information regarding the nature of religion and its expression in various major world religions along with Aboriginal spirituality. The Year 11 course acts as an introduction to spirituality, religious language and the different aspects of the meaning of life and death and concepts of divinity.

Nevertheless, the Religion and Ethics program in Years 7 to 10 at Pymble provides girls with a deeper understanding of religious traditions, along with an introduction to philosophical and ethical concepts. This enhances their appreciation of the material studied in Studies of Religion and allows further study to be supported by background skills and knowledge.

Why study Studies of Religion?

Studies of Religion encourages students to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of religion by exploring its significance throughout history and within contemporary society: the impact of beliefs, teachings, sources and practices on individuals and communities. Students will develop and express personal responses and informed insights on fundamental questions about identity, belonging, meaning and purpose.

The subject combines well with other humanities subjects and, if taken with the sciences, will give students a broad-based curriculum. Students who have studied Studies of Religion in the past have gone on to read a wide range of subjects at university – everything from physics to philosophy, mathematics to medicine, economics to English, as well as theology.

Course description:

The Year 11 course provides an understanding of the nature of religion and the expression of religious thought and practice in various belief systems. The variety of beliefs about the relationship between the divine and the human, the search for meaning and the ultimate goal of human life are explored. Students are introduced to Aboriginal spirituality and two of the world’s major religions chosen from: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

In the HSC course, the Foundation Study unit is a study of the history and societal changes in the expressions of religion in Australia from 1945 to the present. This study should demonstrate to students that people who share a religious view of reality have much in common and have an important place in Australian society and its environment. The relevance of religion to Australian culture is an integral part of this section of the course.

Following from the World Religion depth studies in Year 11, the same two traditions are studied in greater detail, specifically looking at significant people, ethical issues and significant practices within the chosen traditions.

Year 11 Studies of Religion: 1 Unit

• Nature of Religion and Beliefs • Religious Tradition 1 (Christianity) • Religious Tradition 2 (one chosen from: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or Judaism)

Year 12 Studies of Religion: 1 Unit

• Religion in Australia post-1945 • Religious Tradition Depth Study 1 (Christianity) • Religious Tradition Depth Study 2 (one chosen from: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or

Judaism)

HSC examination structure:

Year 12 Studies of Religion: 1 Unit

• Ten multiple-choice Questions (10 marks)

20% • Short-answer Questions (5 marks) 10% • Religious Tradition Depth Study 1 – Extended-Response Question (15 marks) 30% • Religious Tradition Depth Study 2 – Extended-Response Question (20 marks) 40%

How is Studies of Religion relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

The Studies of Religion course teaches students a range of skills necessary to any area of further study, such as independent research, collecting, analysing and organising information and communicating ideas and information. Students work as individuals and as members of groups to conduct historical investigations, planning and organising activities.

Throughout the course, students are evaluating information for its usefulness, validity and bias, presenting findings, developing strategies to manage complex tasks and learning to make effective use of time and resources. These skills empower students to become critically reflective, life-long learners.

Studies of Religion provides learning experiences that prepare students for further education and training, employment and full and active participation as citizens within society.