STUDIES OF RELIGION
Board Developed Course (ATAR) - 2 Units
Studies of Religion II is intended for students interested in exploring the belief systems, rituals, ethics and impact of major world religions. It is ideal for those passionate about understanding the role of religion in shaping cultural identity, ethical decision-making and social change.
The course caters to students aspiring to pursue careers in education, theology, social work, international relations, cultural studies and community engagement.
The course emphasises the development of critical thinking, analytical skills and structured essay writing, including the ability to interpret sacred texts, evaluate religious beliefs and understand the influence of religion on society. Students learn to write with clarity and depth, producing well-organised essays and reflective responses that demonstrate critical understanding of religious practices and their global impact.
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no formal pre-requisites for Studies of Religion II. However, strong reading comprehension, analytical skills and extended response writing abilities are highly beneficial due to the course’s emphasis on interpreting religious texts, analysing case studies and constructing evidence-based arguments.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Year 11 Topics
• Nature of Religion and Beliefs
• Religious Tradition Studies (Three of the following):
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Judaism
• Religions of Ancient Origin
• Religion in Australia pre-1945
Year 12 Topics
• Social Justice and Human Rights Issues
• Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945
• Religious Tradition Depth Studies (Three of the following):
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Judaism
• Religion and Peace
• Religion and Non-Religion
HSC EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
The HSC examination for Studies of Religion II is a three-hour written paper that consists of four sections worth a total of 100 marks.
The examination assesses student understanding through a combination of short-answer, objective response and extended response questions.
The expected length of extended responses is approximately 800 words.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS COURSE
The course may include excursions to places of worship, interfaith dialogues and community religious events when available, allowing students to engage directly with diverse religious traditions and understand their societal impact.
Further information is available on the NESA website.
If a student qualifies, the Studies of Religion Life Skills Course is available in mainstream classes. More information on Life Skills courses can be found here.