VCE Units 3 & 4 - Religion and Society
VCE Units 3 & 4 - Religion and Society
Overview
Unit 3 & 4 Religion and Society is the continuation of the skills and content described in Unit 1 & 2 Religion and Society. The study begins the process of a deeper examination of the fundamental beliefs of religious traditions and how these beliefs assist in the human search for meaning. Students also investigate how historical challenges were met by religious traditions and evaluate the effectiveness of these responses. Finally, students apply the ethics and beliefs of a religious tradition to a contemporary challenge to understand how beliefs inform a response to various ethical, social and environmental issues.
Unit 3: The search for meaning
In Unit 3 students begin by studying the religious beliefs developed by one or more than one Religious tradition in response to the big questions of life. They explore the ways in which these religious beliefs create meaning for religious traditions and their members. Religious beliefs may be expressed through the other aspects of religion, such as myths and other stories, sacred texts and other religious writings (such as formal creeds), rituals, symbols, social structures, ethical principles and oral or written codes of behaviour, religious experience and spirituality.
Areas of Study
- Responding to the Search for Meaning
- Expressing Meaning
- Significant Life Experiences, Religious Beliefs and Faith
Unit 4: Religion, challenge, and change
In Unit 4 the interaction of religious traditions and the societies of which they are a part is investigated. Religious traditions are dynamic, living institutions that contribute in many ways, both positively and negatively, to wider societies – stimulating, supporting, as levers for change or resisting changes in those societies.  Religious traditions also change over time; this change may be in the form of growth or decline or both.
Areas of Study
- Challenge and Response
- Interaction of Religion and Society
Forms of Assessment
All outcomes in Units 3 & 4 will include a combination of short answer, extended response and essay questions which are completed under test conditions.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Satisfactory completion of any Religion and Society Units 1 & 2 or any Year 11 Religious Education subject. Please note that Year 10 students may apply to accelerate into this subject in Year 11 after an application process which may include an interview.