1. HSC preparation seminar
Studies of Religion
HSC preparation seminar

2. Session 1
Extended Response

3. Extended response SOR 1 and 2
The extended response section of the 1 and 2 unit paper acts as a discriminator.
For SOR 2- The Religion and Peace essay also acts as a discriminator.

4. Extended response SOR 1 and 2
It is this section in which students aiming for higher bands have the chance to excel.

5. WHY is the extended response the “discriminator” question?
The average mark for the multiple choice is 7/10
The average mark for Question 11 is 3.5 out of 5

6. WHY is the extended response the “discriminator” question?
The average mark for the short answer response is 11/15
THEREFORE, students wanting BAND 5 or 6 have to aim for 18/20 for the extended response question.

7. Extended Response
An example of how to write an answer to section 3 – extended response using:
Christian Ethics

8. Explain Explain the meaning of the topic. For example:
What are Christian Ethics?

9. Example Give an example of a Christian ethic.
Make sure you have a statement prepared on the basis of Christian Ethics and use this to link the Scriptures and the beliefs and values which come from the scriptures with their application in moral and ethical issues.

10. Example of a statement
The Christian ethical system is based on the Christian’s understanding of their relationship with God. For a Christian, their God calls them to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ which are found in the sacred scriptures especially the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, as well as the Golden Rule.

11. Sources
It is not sufficient to just use Scripture as your basis for Christian ethics.

12. You need to refer to other sources that discuss your ethical issue such as:
Vatican Documents
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Statements from other Christian variants

13. Variants You will also need to use variants in your answers.
Note any possible similarities or differences that the variants hold on your chosen ethical issue.

14. Remember
NO BAND 5 OR 6
WITHOUT REFERRING TO VARIANTS IN YOUR ANSWER

15. In particular make the clear distinction between a Catholic “Natural Law” approach to ethical reasoning and the more scripturally based protestant response.

16. Specimen question Christianity (20 marks)
Describe Christian ethical teachings on ONE of the following:
Bioethics
Environmental ethics
Sexual ethics

17. Scaffold Prepare a general statement on Christian ethics
The Christian ethical system is based on the Christian’s understanding of their relationship with God. For a Christian their God calls them to do “good” and to follow the moral teachings of their faith. These teachings are based on…

18. Define Environmental ethics
Environmental ethics refers to…
……. relationship between human beings and the environment in which they live. It exerts influence on a large range of disciplines including law, sociology, theology, economics and geography. There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment. or
…the search for moral values and ethical principles in human relations with the natural world.

19. Explain the Christian Churches’ teachings on one ethical issue
Explain the moral issues involved and the source of the teaching – use quotes.
… Give one example e.g. pollution

20. Explain the Christian teaching on a second issue – in the same way
Deforestation is another environmental issue…

21. Global warming is another environmental issue……

22. include in your discussion whether there is agreement or differences in the response of Christian variants on either issue and why these differences occur.

23. …….okay, so HSC Studies of Religion is serious stuff
…but Religion can have its lighter moments

24. Natural Law: that law implanted in nature by the Creator that human beings can discern by the light of their natural reasoning.
Because of humankind’s sinful nature it is often hard to discern and obey the natural law, making it difficult to reach moral certainty on specific issues (e.g. nuclear warfare, genetic engineering, birth control).
According to some Christian churches natural law can also be discerned through tradition. Because Jesus established his church and gave it authority, the church was able to formulate church moral law. Church moral laws are based on the natural law, scripture, the person, life and teachings of Jesus Christ and on tradition.

25. Christian Ethical System
The role of Christian ethics is to provide a guide for Christians, so that their daily living supports the purpose and value of this world and, in particular, so that the way they live helps bring about God’s reign.
The sources for Christian ethics are found in
The Scriptures
The Natural Law
Human Experience

29. Catholic Ethics: drawn from basic principles of ethics from the natural law. Catholics are taught a way of arriving at moral truths that are not simply personal opinions or subjective impressions.
Protestant Ethics: The Protestant reformers saw the Bible (revealed law) as the sole authority for Christian living. Emphasis is placed on Jesus’ command of love.