Level 3 Religious Studies
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Dr J. Roberson.
At Level 3 Religious studies continues to offer thought-provoking analysis, and opportunities for critical discussion on topics including:
- The study of scripture; comparing, contrasting and evaluating different methods of interpretation
- Religion and how it is expressed through particular religious groups in Aotearoa today.
- Ultimate questions around existence, the origins of the universe and belief in God in relation to the Catholic and a Secular world view.
Subject Overview
Term 1
Religious groups in Aotearoa - Connections to Local Curriculum
During this topic students will deepen their awareness and understanding of:
* Religious groups and movements in Aotearoa
* Definitions of sects/cults and new religious groups
* Gloriavale as a local religious organisation
* The history of Gloriavale
* Beliefs, roles and responsibilities, membership, methods of sustaining the community at Gloriavale
* Wider implications of Gloriavale for members and society on the West Coast and beyond
Term 2
Scripture - methods of interpretation
During this topic students will deepen their awareness and understanding of:
* Scripture: origins, sources, audience, purpose, genre
* Different methods of interpreting scripture
* Literal and Historical Critical methods of interpretation
* Evaluation of the Literal and Historical Critical methods
* The wider implications of using these methods
Term 3
Comparison and Contrast of a secular and religious world view
During this topic students will deepen their awareness and understanding of:
* The Catholic worldview
* The Metaphysical Naturalist worldview
* Ultimate or existential questions related to the existence of God, the origins of existence and life after death
* Proponents of the different worldviews
* The similarities and differences between these two worldviews
* The significance of these worldviews in terms of making meaning in life
* The wider implications of each of these world views
Term 4
During this term students will have the opportunity to complete any outstanding assessment work and to deepen their awareness and understanding of a range of prayer styles, liturgy and ritual.
Students will also be given the opportunity for a reflective retreat experience this term.
Recommended Prior Learning
No prior learning is required as Religious Studies is a compulsory subject at all levels.
Stationery
All of the usual stationery needed by a Year 13 student, including a device.
Pathway
Vocations to the priesthood and religious life or careers such as teaching, law, politics, the media, social work, human resources or any career which requires critical thinking skills, analysis, synthesis and construction of arguments or ethics.
Assessment Information
All assessment is through internal assessment.One assessment will be completed during each of the first three terms.
All standards are worth six credits each and therefore, a total of 18 credits will be available to students in this course.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This subject is eligible for subject endorsement.
This subject is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Religious Studies 3.2 - Analyse a religious tradition(s) in Aotearoa New Zealand
NZQA Info
Religious Studies 3.4 - Analyse the key beliefs of a religious tradition and a secular world view in relation to ultimate questions
NZQA Info
Religious Studies 3.1 - Analyse the meanings in a sacred text within a religious tradition
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 18
This subject forms part of the requirement for University Entrance
Pathway Tags
Minister of Religion, Community Development Worker, Youth Worker. University in the Arts programme., Counsellor, Psychologist, Community Development Worker, Workplace Relations Adviser, Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Career Consultant, Support Worker,