​Area of Study 1
Responding to the search for meaning
In this area of study students are introduced to the nature and purpose of religion in the human search for meaning. This is a general study of religion. Students are introduced to the purpose of religion in societies in which multiple worldviews coexist through the study in detail of a range of beliefs of one or more than one religious tradition or denomination. Beliefs are ideas that answer the big questions of life according to a religious worldview. In this area of study students relate the beliefs to certain categories and explore the connection of the beliefs to each other.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss and analyse the nature and purpose of religion and religious beliefs.

Key Knowledge

• the aspects of religion
• the purpose of religion in the search for meaning
• the nature of religious beliefs and their role in responding to the search for meaning
• for one or more than one religious tradition or denomination, a range of religious beliefs related to:
– ultimate reality
– the nature and purpose of human life
– the meaning of suffering
– death and the afterlife
– the relationship between ultimate reality and humanity
– the relationship between humans
– the relationship between human life and the rest of the natural world
• the connections between these beliefs.

Key Skills

• identify the aspects of religion
• explain the purposes of religion
• explain religious beliefs and their role in the search for meaning
• analyse connections between religious beliefs
• interpret, synthesise and apply primary and secondary source material.