Classical Civilisation
Are you fascinated by the myths and legends of the past? Would you like to explore the worlds of Ancient Greece and Rome? Do you ever wonder where the origins of our modern western civilisations lie?
Classical Civilisation deals with the period of time from the heroic Bronze Age of Homer’s Iliad, through to the world of Cicero and Vigil in the late republican Rome of the 1st Century BC. By examining the history, culture, religion, technology and society of these periods we can unearth the foundations of our modern way of life.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
The AS units are:
· Homer’s Iliad - a study of Ancient Greek History through a reading and analysis of The Iliad by Homer – the first great epic poem in world literature set in the last year of the Trojan War, focusing on ‘heroes’ such as Achilles and Hector, the Greek gods and their relationship with mortals. You will be studying the literary qualities of The Iliad but also setting it in its historical, religious and cultural context.
· The Life and Times of Cicero - the last years of the Roman Republic studied through a reading and analysis of the letters of the Roman politician Cicero. A study of the life and times of the great orator, including his varying support for and opposition to Julius Caesar, as well as the rise of Mark Antony and the future emperor Augustus. The unit includes the study of Roman society, government and politics.
Each unit contributes 50% to the total AS level mark and is 25% of the total A level marks.
The A2 units are:
· Roman Epic – astudy of Roman History through a reading and analysis of The Aeneid by Virgil – a Roman epic written in the last years of the Roman Republic with a direct link to events in the reign of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. It follows the fortunes of Aeneas in the aftermath of the Trojan War. The topic requires study in the areas of literature, society, religion and values, philosophy, science and religion.
· Greek Tragedy – a study of the theatre in 5th Century BC Athens. Plays include Oedipus, the king, Antigone, Medea and Hyppolytus. The study includes the understanding of ancient Greek myths, the composition and plot of a Greek Tragedy as well as a study of the religious, social, historical and political life of Athens in the 5th Century BC. Students will study the plot of each play and make connections with the Athenian audience at the time and how the plays are connected with the worship of Dionysus and how the playwrights used myths to convey particular messages to the audience.
Each unit contributes 25% of the total A level marks.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN CLASS AND BEYOND?
You will be involved in a wide range of activities in Classical Civilisation. These include reading and discussing classical texts, researching the background to topics through books, video and the Internet and working together on group presentations. You will develop the written skills necessary to produce effective answers to essay questions and to shorter structured questions on a classical source. Classwork will be supplemented through trips to conferences, productions of Greek plays (in English) and a trip to Greece or Italy.
You will be involved in a wide range of activities in Classical Civilisation. These include reading and discussing classical texts, researching the background to topics through books, video and the Internet and working together on group presentations. You will develop the written skills necessary to produce effective answers to essay questions and to shorter structured questions on a classical source. Classwork will be supplemented through trips to conferences, productions of Greek plays (in English) and a trip to Greece or Italy.
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
All units are assessed by examination. There is no coursework.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in English Language. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have at least a grade B in English Language. No prior knowledge of Classical Civilisation, Latin or Ancient Greek is required. All texts are studied in English translation.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH CLASSICAL CIVILISATION?
Since the foundations of most modern academic disciplines lie in the classical period, almost any subject goes well with Classical Civilisation. You will find that aspects of the course overlap with subjects such as Archaeology, History, English Literature, Politics, Philosophy and Drama and Theatre Studies. Students who wish to study Archaeology might find studying Classical Civilisation in conjunction with Science subjects useful.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Classical Civilisation provides you with transferable skills, which employers and universities will value. The skills you will develop include those of critical analysis and comparison, fluency in written and spoken communication and logical thought. You will also broaden your knowledge and understanding of the origins of western civilisation, which in turn helps you attain a deeper understanding of the way we live today.
View the Classical Civilisation page on the AQA Website.
