Sweden Compulsory School Year 9: Religion

This course explores various religions and life stances, emphasizing their impact on individuals and society. Students develop an understanding of the role of religion in shaping cultural values, societal structures, and personal beliefs. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and informed discussions about religious diversity.

Core Content

• Religions and Other Life Stances: Students examine the significance of religion and other life stances in fulfilling human needs for meaning, community, identity, and understanding of the world. This includes exploring secular life stances such as humanism.
• Major World Religions: The curriculum covers central tenets, scriptures, and practices within Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Students learn to identify similarities and differences between and within these religions, including varying interpretations and practices in contemporary society.
• Christianity in Sweden: The course explores the historical influence of Christian traditions on Swedish society and values, tracing its evolution from a unified church to religious diversity and secularization.
• Religion and Society: Students analyze the interplay between religion and society across different times and places, including the role of religion in peace efforts and conflicts, social cohesion, and segregation. They also examine the influence of religion on societal issues such as gender equality, sexuality, and relationships.
• Ethics and Values: The curriculum addresses ethical and moral dilemmas, encouraging students to reason and argue using ethical concepts and models. They explore different perspectives on the good life and ethical considerations related to sustainable development, human rights, and democratic values.
• Research and Information Literacy: Students develop skills in researching religions and other life stances, evaluating sources for relevance and trustworthiness, and critically examining societal issues related to religion.

Assessment

National tests in Religious Studies for year 9 are typically conducted in April/May. Assessment criteria include knowledge of religious concepts, ability to analyze religious texts and practices, and capacity to engage in reasoned discussions about ethical and societal issues related to religion.