Classical Civilisation (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language plus a C in Classics if studied at GCSE. If Classics was not studied at GCSE, then a grade C in another traditional Humanities subject is desirable.

About the Subject

Classical Civilisation is a mix is of literature and history from Ancient Greece and Rome. It is an increasingly popular subject at both AS and A level because it allows students to study a broad range of topics and texts. The literature and history we study really are ‘classics’ that have stood the test of time and are still relevant to people today. Classics is also a highly respected traditional academic subject that requires students to use high level skills of comprehension and analysis. There is also the added attraction of being able to include a coursework component.

We assume that you know nothing about the ancient world when you begin and as the course progresses we encourage you to develop the skills you need to succeed. If you have a genuine interest in the past, are prepared to handle a large amount of information, learn detail and develop an argument this subject will appeal to you. The course involves a great deal of reading, particularly reading classical texts. Classics combines well with other subjects and success indicates a good academic ability.

Course Content

Year 1

There are two modules in the first year:

For the first module students study the life and times of Cicero; by the 1st century BC the Roman Republic was in serious trouble, torn apart by wars, civil war and revolution. In the end the Republic is destroyed by Julius Caesar, Rome’s first emperor. We study this exciting period through the life and letters of a major figure of the time, Marcus Tullius Cicero.

The second module involves the study of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’; this story has been read and enjoyed for over two thousand years. The action covers the adventures of Odysseus as he travels back home after the siege of Troy. However, the welcome Odeysseus receives when he finally arrives is not quite what he was expecting…

Year 2

In the second year students again study two topics but this time there is a greater emphasis on Roman History.

Module 3 involves the study of Imperial Rome 14- 68 AD; we study the lives of two Roman emperors, Tiberius, and Claudius through the famous Roman historian Tacitus.

For module 4, we study the Greek Tragedies; the poets of Ancient Greece produced some of the greatest works of literature of all time. We study Sophocles’ King Oedipus & Antigone and Euripides’ Hippolytus.

Assessment

At both AS and A2 two modules are assessed by short examinations based on a choice of essay questions.