SOR II Unit for each of Preliminary and HSC

Board Developed Course (Category A)

ATAR Course

Exclusions: Catholic Studies; Studies of Religion I, Studies in Catholic Thought

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Studies of Religion II promote an understanding and critical awareness of the nature and significance of religion and the influence of belief systems and religious traditions on individuals and within society.

Main topics covered:

Preliminary Course

Nature of Religion and Beliefs

• The nature of religion and beliefs including Australian Aboriginal beliefs and spiritualties, as a distinctive response to the human search for meaning in life

• Religion and Belief Systems in Australia pre-1945

Religious expression in Australia’s multi-cultural and multi-faith society since 1700, including an appreciation of Aboriginal spiritualities and their contribution to an understanding of religious beliefs and religious expression in Australia today

• Religions of Ancient Origin

Three Religious Traditions Studied from; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

• Origins

• Principal beliefs

• Sacred texts and writings

• Core ethical teachings

• Personal devotion/expression of faith/observance

HSC Course

Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945 including the current religious landscape

• Religious expression in Australia’s multi-cultural and multi-faith society since 1945, including an appreciation of Aboriginal spiritualities and their contribution to an understanding of religious beliefs and religious expression in Australia today

Three Religious Tradition Depth Studied from; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism.

• Ethical teachings in the religious tradition about bioethics, environmental ethics, or sexual ethics

• Significant practices in the life of adherents

• Significant People

There are units examining non-religious worldviews and ideas about peace and conflict.

• Religion and Peace

• Religion and Non-Religion

For more information about this course, please see: Mrs. Arundell, Mr. Castellino, Miss Mardini, Mr. Pastoors