HSC Studies of Religion I study guide
HSC Studies of Religion I · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The HSC Studies of Religion I course sits within the NSW school curriculum overseen by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), the body that sets syllabuses, assessments, teaching and school standards for all schools in NSW. NESA describes the HSC as a world-class credential that helps young adults on the path to work, training and further education. This page is an independent study resource for students preparing for the Studies of Religion I course; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by NESA or the NSW Government. The syllabus page for the course is published on the NESA site, and NESA advises that K–12 syllabuses updated as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform are viewed on the NSW Curriculum website. Topics on this exam: Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945 and Religious Tradition Depth Study. The HSC Studies of Religion I study guide has 2 sections and about 664 words.
01Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945
This topic tracks how Australian religious life changed after 1945 through immigration, secularisation, pluralism and Aboriginal spirituality. You must be able to name and explain the key concepts: denominational switching , secularism , religious plurality and ecumenism , interfaith dialogue , New Age religion , and the Dreaming as the foundation of Aboriginal spirituality. Know the direction of travel: since 1945, adherence to Christianity has declined as a proportion of the population, the 'no religion' category has grown sharply (especially among younger Australians), and non-Christian religions have grown through migration (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism). Be precise: these are proportions, not absolute collapses, and 'no religion' does not equal atheism.
352 words, about 2 min02Religious Tradition Depth Study: Beliefs, Ethics and Practice
A depth study requires you to connect three strands: principal beliefs , ethics , and sacred texts and writings , and to show how each shapes the lives of adherents. You must know your chosen tradition's core doctrines precisely, plus significant people and practices. For a Christian tradition study, know beliefs such as the Trinity, incarnation, resurrection and salvation, and how they are expressed in creeds and scripture. For ethics, know the sources of authority (scripture, natural law, conscience, church teaching) and apply them to a bioethical issue such as euthanasia.
312 words, about 2 min