International Baccalaureate · IB Diploma
Religion and Society · SL
Papers, samples and curriculum documents for this course.
Course units and learning goals
These lessons teach selected course objectives. Check the remaining coverage gaps; the material is not a complete preparation programme.
Part 1 · Definitions and frameworks of religion
- Explain why definitions of religion are contextual
- Distinguish academic and devotional approaches
- framework
- A set of categories or ideas organizing an inquiry.
- devotional approach
- An approach informed by commitment within a religious tradition.
Part 2 · Change, identity, interpretation and power
- Analyse all four concepts across at least three traditions
- Connect adaptations, belonging, narratives and authority to context
- religious identity
- Belonging and self-understanding related to religious life.
- authority
- Recognized capacity to make or interpret decisions.
Inquiry report · Conceptual inquiry and reflexivity
- Conduct an approved inquiry into religious identity, expression or experience
- Select, analyse and evaluate sources through a course concept
- inquiry focus
- A bounded question directing research.
- expression
- A way identity or meaning is communicated in practice.
Preparing for this qualification
- Future SL only: stimulus Paper 1 75 min 30%, Paper 2 90 min 40%, inquiry report 30%. First teaching 2027; do not advertise as the 2026 World Religions syllabus.
- At least three religious traditions through change, identity, interpretation and power. Foundations distinguish contextual definitions, classification frameworks, and academic versus devotional approaches.
Teaching coverage still needed
- Future course only. Full 2029 guide, final specimens and three traditions through every concept/theme still required.
- Reviewed runtime bank remains unavailable; no practice registry promotion.
Specifications and sample documents
- Religion and Society — Subject brief · 2029 ↗
First assessment: 2029
Course materials
Course preparation
Documents are available. Board-specific notes, assessments and interactive past-paper practice are not yet available for every course.
Lessons →