Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 5 Subjects (CSEC) - Humanities > Religious Education

This course covers the CSEC Religious Education syllabus, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religion and its impact on individuals and society. It encourages informed dialogue among different religious and cultural groups, fostering harmony and peace within the Caribbean. The syllabus promotes critical thinking, research skills, and respect for diverse belief systems. Students explore the meaning and purpose of life as presented by various religions practiced in the Caribbean. The course includes a compulsory Core section and four Options, from which students choose one.

Core Syllabus

The Core syllabus provides a foundation for understanding the central concepts of various religions. It covers:

• Section 1: Essentials of Religion: This section introduces students to the fundamental elements of religion, including definitions of religion, denomination, sect, and cult. It explores common features like prayer, places of worship, belief systems, rituals, worship, symbols, sacred writings, deities, festivals, and rites of passage. It also examines the human needs that religion addresses, such as the quest for personal identity, fulfillment, harmony with nature, spiritual meaning, and moral guidance.
• Section 2: Christianity: This section delves into the central beliefs and practices of Christianity, including the Christian understanding of God, places of worship, major locations where Christianity is practiced, and the Bible as the source of authority. Key teachings, festivals, and practices are examined. The section also explores the arrival and establishment of Christianity in the Caribbean through Christian missions.
• Section 3: Hinduism: This section explores the central beliefs and practices of Hinduism, including major manifestations of God, sacred places of worship and pilgrimage, major locations where Hinduism is practiced, and Hindu scriptures. Key beliefs, festivals, and practices are examined. The section also explores the arrival and development of Hinduism in the Caribbean, particularly through indentureship.
• Section 4: Islam: This section examines the central beliefs and practices of Islam, including the Muslim's relationship with Allah, places of worship, major locations where Islam is practiced, and the Quran as the source of authority. Basic Islamic beliefs, festivals, observances, and practices are explored. The section also covers the arrival and development of Islam in the Caribbean.
• Section 5: Judaism: This section delves into the central beliefs and practices of Judaism, including the Jewish understanding of God, places of worship, major locations where Judaism is practiced, and Jewish scriptures. Basic beliefs, festivals, and practices are examined. The section also explores the arrival and development of Judaism in the Caribbean.
• Section 6: Caribbean Indigenous Religions: This section examines the beliefs, practices, and origins of six Caribbean Indigenous Religions: Rastafari, Revivalism, Vodun, Orisha, Spiritual Baptist, and Santeria. The section explores the roles of divinities, ancestors, and spirits, places of worship, major locations of practice, basic beliefs and teachings, sources of authority, festivals, and ceremonies. The influence of world religions on these indigenous religions is also discussed.

Options

Students choose ONE of the following options, which explore the meaning and purpose of life from the perspective of the chosen religion and its application to Caribbean society:

• Option A: Christianity: This option explores biblical responses to human life issues, the Bible as the source of authority, the nature and attributes of God, and the concepts of sin and salvation. It also examines the Old and New Testament backgrounds to the concept of the reign of God.
• Option B: Hinduism: This option explores the meaning and purpose of life from a Hindu perspective, including the concepts of guruhood and discipleship, the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita as sacred texts, the nature and attributes of The Absolute and Avatars, and the concepts of sin and liberation.
• Option C: Islam: This option examines Islamic responses to human life issues, the Quran and Hadith as sources of guidance, the concept of Allah, and the concepts of sin, punishment, and reward.
• Option D: Judaism: This option explores Jewish responses to human life issues, the Tenakh as the source of authority, the nature and attributes of God, Jewish festivals and observances, and Jewish perspectives on health and medical issues.

School-Based Assessment (SBA)

The SBA component of the course involves a research paper of approximately 1000 words. Students research denominations and sects of selected world religions and Caribbean Indigenous Religions. The research paper assesses interpretation and analysis, and the application of religious principles.