Religious Studies
Religious Studies is the study of identity, beliefs, community, society, human behaviour, ethics, morality and culture in the context of religion. In a complex and changing world, students explore the search for meaning and purpose of human existence. Students examine religious concepts through analysis, independent research and open critical inquiry to become active and informed citizens, and lifelong learners. Religious Studies engages students in a dynamic process of making meaning of the world. Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary course.
Religious Studies is the study of identity, beliefs, community, society, human behaviour, ethics, morality and culture in the context of religion. In a complex and changing world, students explore the search for meaning and purpose of human existence. Students examine religious concepts through analysis, independent research and open critical inquiry to become active and informed citizens, and lifelong learners. Religious Studies engages students in a dynamic process of making meaning of the world. Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary course.
Religious Studies promotes intercultural understanding by respectfully addressing sensitive issues arising from diversity of religions and philosophical convictions, and the right of individuals to adhere to a particular religion or belief system. The course provides the opportunity for intercultural dialogue to foster religious and cultural cohesion. By developing skills of critical evaluation and reflection, it builds understanding of the perspectives and ways of life of different religions and philosophical convictions.
Religious Studies extends the learner’s understanding of themselves, their heritage, values, culture, and identity. Students develop intercultural capability: they develop understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different perspectives and experiences.
The study of religion and beliefs fosters personal, social, moral and ethical development, and promotes intercultural understanding by providing opportunity for intercultural dialogue to foster religious and cultural cohesion. It respectfully addresses sensitive issues arising from diversity of religions and philosophical convictions. By developing skills of critical evaluation and reflection, students’ gain understanding of the perspectives and ways of life of different religions and spiritualities. Students develop awareness of prejudice and stereotypes as barriers to intercultural dialogue and understand the importance of promoting the human dignity of all.
Religious Studies promotes critical and creative thinking and intercultural understanding, equipping young citizens for the demands and challenges of the 21st Century globalised world.
The Religious Studies course is written under The HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FRAMEWORK 2019: BSSS HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Framework
Achievement Standards for HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES courses can be found within the Framework.
Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of how people process and document the human experience and their place in it. It empowers students to better understand humankind, society and culture and communicate ideas for the future.
Expressions of Faith and Spirit
Students investigate how religious and spiritual traditions and beliefs shape, form and support creative expression. Students explore forms of communication, such as literature, textiles, art, architecture, oral storytelling, music, digital technology, drama and dance, that seek to explain or illustrate religious and spiritual ideas or experiences. The unit also examines how religious and spiritual expression impacts on and interacts with, groups in society.
A minimum of two different religious or spiritual traditions to be studied in depth.
A Good Life
Students examine moral and ethical principles of various religious and spiritual traditions that express what it means to live a ‘good life’. Students explore and critique personal, communal, and institutional ethical practices and moral responsibilities prompted by, or engagement with, religious and spiritual traditions that aim to foster fulfilment and a 'good life'.
A minimum of two different religious or spiritual traditions to be studied in depth.
Exploring Meaning
Students examine how humanity has sought to understand and express the fundamental questions of existence over time, across cultures and in diverse places. Students explore the origin, meaning and purpose of religious, mystical, spiritual or transformative experiences, and the impact of these on human experience.
A minimum of two different religious or spiritual traditions to be studied in depth.
Continuity, Change and Diversity
Students examine how religious and spiritual tradition have engaged with change and diversity. They explore continuity and change within and across traditions and belief systems as well as engagement with discovery and innovation.
A minimum of two different religious or spiritual traditions to be studied in depth.
Independent Study
An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.
Religious Studies A/T/M 
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Religious Studies A/T/M 
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