click here to return to IB homepage
AQ
Q: Is there RS in the IB?
A: Yes and no. The course studied through the IB is not called Religious Studies. It will become Philosophy and many of the topics currently studied at A Level will appear in this course.
| A Level RS | IB Philosophy | ||||
| Philosophy | Ethics | Coursework | Core | Options | Coursework |
| * Cosmological Argument * Teleological Argument * Problem of Evil * Ontological Argument * Religious Experience * Mind/ Body Problem * Life After Death
|
* Morality and religion *Utilitarianism * Situation Ethics * War and Peace * Sexual Ethics *Categorical Imperative
|
* A/S 1 piece of
coursework of 2500 words. *A/2 A Synoptic Exam on the philosophy and ethics involved in the war in Iraq and the punishment of terrorists |
* Mind/Body Problem * What is God? * Problem of Evil * The Human Condition |
* Philosophy and
Religion -Proofs for the existence of God, cosmological, teleological, ontological arguments - Religion and Science. Post modern views on religion - Religious Experience * Ethics - deontological vs teleological theories - Utilitarianism -Morality |
* Prescribed Texts - a
study of a philosophical work * Coursework - 1200 words |
Q: Will taking RS at GCSE help prepare me for the IB?
A: Of course! The IB diploma requires a level of independent learning and critical thinking skills that are taught in RS. There is also an international dimension that RS prepares you for by exposing you to different world views.
Q: Is Philosophy recognised as an academic subject by universities?
A: Absolutely. In current university applications, especially to the U.S., Religious Studies is referred to as Philosophy and Ethics. Many students take some form of philosophical studies at university and constantly write back to KGV to let us know how far ahead they were in terms of their subject knowledge and writing and debating skills. The content and the skills taught in the course will be useful in any university course.
Please email any further questions to kfoley@kgv.edu.hk and the answers will be posted on this site.