Studies of Religion II (2 unit)

Course Description

Preliminary Course [Board Developed] 2 units
HSC Course [Board Developed] 2 units Exclusions: Studies of Religion I

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The Studies of Religion II course offers students the opportunity to engage in a sustained and analytical exploration of religious traditions and worldviews. Studies of Religion II is a standard two-unit course that runs across Years 11 and 12. Through the study of religion and Australian Indigenous perspectives, students examine how belief systems shape meaning, ethics, identity, and responses to life’s enduring questions at both individual and communal levels. The course is significant in helping students understand the influence of religious worldviews within local and global contexts in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Studies of Religion II builds on the content studied in Studies of Religion I, extending both the breadth and depth of learning. While the one‑unit course focuses on Christianity, Islam, and religion in Australia, the two‑unit course introduces additional areas of study. These include a depth study of Buddhism, an examination of religious approaches to peace, the global distribution of religion, and non‑religious alternatives to religious worldviews. This extended structure allows for more sustained analysis and comparison across traditions and belief systems.

In the Preliminary course, students focus on understanding the nature and characteristics of religion. They explore Aboriginal Spirituality, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism through their core beliefs, practices, and worldviews. The HSC course deepens this inquiry by examining religion and Aboriginal perspectives in Australian society since 1945 and in global contexts. Students undertake in‑depth studies of Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, analysing significant individuals, religious practices, ethical issues, and conceptual approaches to peace within and across traditions. Overall, Studies of Religion II enables a broader and deeper inquiry into religious traditions and worldviews and their lived expression. The additional unit increases breadth through the study of another religious tradition and alternative belief systems, and depth through sustained analytical engagement with religion, peace, and contemporary issues. By developing critical thinking, empathy, and interfaith understanding, the course prepares students to engage thoughtfully with complexity and diversity in the modern world.

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Main Topics Covered

PRELIMINARY COURSE (Y11)	HSC COURSE (Y12)
Nature of Religion and Beliefs including Aboriginal belief systems Three Religious Tradition Studies: Christianity, Buddhism and Islam Religions of Ancient Origin Religion in Australia pre-1945	Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945 including the current religious landscape Three Religious Tradition Depth Studies: The contribution of significant people, ideas, practices and ethical teachings to an understanding of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Religion and Peace Religion and Non-Religion

Assessment – HSC course only