John Paul II High School

Level 3 Religious Studies

Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr J. Roberson.

Recommended Prior Learning

No prior learning is required as Religious Studies is a compulsory subject at all levels.

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.

Learning Areas:

_________ Religious Studies _________ Akoranga Hāhi

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.