SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION GENERAL INFORMATION

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1 -SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION GENERAL INFORMATION -Unit number Unit title- -Superclass category- -Date of publication- (month and year) -Originating centre for unit- CULTURE AND RELIGION C: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS AND THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY FB AUGUST 1998 SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY DESCRIPTION- GENERAL COMPETENCE FOR UNIT: Examining the cultural significance of world religions and belief systems and analysing their impact on various cultures; researching one world religion or belief system in depth. OUTCOMES: 1. examine the development of world religions and belief systems and their cultural significance; 2. analyse the impact of a world religion or belief system on a variety of cultures; 3. conduct research into a world religion or belief system. CREDIT VALUE: 2 HN credits ACCESS STATEMENT: Access is at the discretion of the centre. However, it would be beneficial if the candidate had achieved Higher National Unit xxxxx Culture and Religion B: Sociology and Psychology of Religion

2 Additional copies of this unit can be obtained from: The Committee and Administration Unit, SQA, Hanover House, 24 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 7NQ, (Tel: ). At the time of publication the cost is 1.50 per unit (minimum order 5.00). 2

3 HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION STATEMENT OF STANDARDS Unit number: Unit title: CULTURE AND RELIGION C: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS AND THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY Acceptable performance in this Unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the specification. All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA. OUTCOME 1. EXAMINE THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS AND THEIR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) The identification of the world religions/belief systems is accurate. The description of the main features of the world religions/belief systems is accurate. The analysis of religions and belief systems is accurate in terms of their influence on social structures. RANGE STATEMENT Features of world religions/belief systems: leaders/founders; customs/practices; writings (sacred); funerals; rites of passage; festivals; food; dress; sexual roles. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Written and/or oral evidence identifying and describing the main features of at least two world religions and two belief systems. Written and/or oral analysis of the influence of two world religions and two belief systems on social structures. 3

4 OUTCOME 2. ANALYSE THE IMPACT OF A WORLD RELIGION OR BELIEF SYSTEM ON A VARIETY OF CULTURES PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) The identification of an appropriate world religion or belief system is justified in terms of its cultural significance. The examination of the effect of the world religion/belief system on the cultural system is clear and detailed. The evaluation of the significance of the world religion belief system on the chosen culture is clear, detailed and justified by well-structured argument. RANGE STATEMENT The range for this outcome is fully expressed within the performance criteria. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Written and/or oral evidence which demonstrates that the candidates have (a) demonstrated; (b) examined; (c) evaluated, a world religion/belief system and its effect on at least two cultures. OUTCOME 3. CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO A WORLD RELIGION OR BELIEF SYSTEM PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (a) (b) (c) The identification of world religion or belief system topic is justified in terms of its cultural significance. The analysis of relevant data is clear, detailed and well structured The conclusions reached are consistent with the analysis in terms of the specified objectives. RANGE STATEMENT The range for this outcome is fully expressed within the performance criteria. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Written and/or oral evaluation of research and conclusions for one world religion or belief system. 4

5 MERIT STATEMENT: To gain a pass in this unit, a candidate must meet the standards set out in the outcomes, performance criteria, range statements and evidence requirements. To achieve a merit in this unit, a candidate must demonstrate a superior or more sophisticated level of performance. In this unit this might be shown in the following ways: displaying in their evaluations of theoretical issues relating to world religions and belief systems, evidence of further reading outwith prescribed texts, lecture notes and handouts; providing evidence of independent study; displaying maximised use of time and resources. ASSESSMENT In order to achieve this unit, candidates are required to present sufficient evidence that they have met all the performance criteria for each outcome within the range specified. Details of these requirements are given for each outcome. The assessment instruments used should follow the general guidance offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) assessment model and an integrative approach to assessment is encouraged. (See references at the end of support notes). Accurate records should be made of the assessment instruments used showing how evidence is generated for each outcome and giving marking schemes and/or checklists, etc. Records of candidates achievements should be kept. These records will be available for external verification. SPECIAL NEEDS Proposals to modify outcomes, range statements or agreed assessment arrangements should be discussed in the first place with the external verifier. Copyright SQA 1998 Please note that this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that: (i) (ii) no profit is derived from the reproduction; if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. 5

6 HIGHER NATIONAL UNIT SPECIFICATION SUPPORT NOTES Unit number: Unit title: CULTURE AND RELIGION C: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS AND THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY SUPPORT NOTES: This part of the unit specification is offered as guidance. None of the sections of the support notes is mandatory. NOTIONAL DESIGN LENGTH: SQA allocates a notional design length to a unit on the basis of time estimated for achievement of the stated standards by a candidate whose starting point is as described in the access statement. The notional design length for this unit is 80 hours. The use of notional design length for programme design and timetabling is advisory only. PURPOSE The purpose of this unit is to explore the impact of world religions and belief systems on various cultures and carry out an in depth study of one world religion or belief system. CONTENT/CONTEXT Corresponding to outcomes: In order to allow as much flexibility as possible within this religious studies unit a list of suggested topics are listed. World religions would include: Christianity Hinduism Sikhism Islam Candidates should also be introduced to other belief systems which impact on to the world: Humanism Atheism Witchcraft Marxism Fascism Selection of topics: Candidates should choose from the main world religions and belief systems which have a universal impact. 6

7 Outcome 1 The candidates must examine at least 2 world religions and 2 belief systems. Outcome 2 The candidates must select at least 2 contrasting cultures. Outcome 3 The candidates could further their work in Outcome 2 or choose a new topic for research. APPROACHES TO GENERATING EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES EXEMPLARS PROGRESSION RECOGNITION REFERENCES 1. Guide to unit writing, SQA, 1993 (Code: A018). 2. Guide to assessment, SQA, 1993 (Code: B005). 3. Guide to certification, SQA, 1996 (Code: F025). 4. Notes for unit writers, SQA, 1995 (Code: A041). For details of other SQA publications, please contact staff in the Committee and Administration Unit (Tel: ) who can supply you with a copy of the publication list (Code: X037). Copyright SQA 1998 Please note that this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that: (i) (ii) no profit is derived from the reproduction; if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. 7