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Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation

Head Of Department: Miss E Mclaren
Contact Details: emm@felsted.org
Twitter: @classicsfelsted

 


A Level - Classical Civilisation

Exam Board: ocr www.ocr.org.uk
Syllabus Code: H408 
 
Why study Classical Civilisation?
Classical Civilisation is the study of the Greeks and Romans through literature, history, archaeology and philosophy. The study of the Classical World provides an excellent basis for understanding and appreciating modern culture, more of which originates from the Classical World than one might realise. Classical Civilisation is a cross-curricular subject and because of this, and its intrinsically interesting and entertaining subject matter, it has something for everyone. It combines well with most other subjects and leaves pupils’ options open for university decisions.

Expectations of independent study
Pupils will be expected to enjoy reading (in English!) not only the texts which accompany the course but also secondary source material. You will be asked to think creatively, yet analytically, about what you are reading and observing. You will be encouraged to visit museums and cast collections, and to join the various Classics trips which take place.

Requirements
Although Classical Civilisation is available at GCSE, there is no necessity for pupils to have studied it at this level. There is also no need for any knowledge of either Latin or Greek, as all the literature is studied in translation. The A Level course builds on the skills gained at GCSE through other subjects if necessary, such as English (reading literature) and History (source analysis and essay writing).

Course content
• The World of the Hero – Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid
The poems of Homer were considered by the Greeks themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture, standing as they do at the beginning of the Western literary canon. This component will provide pupils with the opportunity to appreciate the lasting legacy of the Homeric world and to explore its attitudes and values. The epics of Homer, with their heroes, gods and exciting narratives, have been in continuous study since their conception, and remain as popular as ever.

This component also provides pupils with the opportunity to appreciate Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone and landmark in Western literature. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as from his own cultural and political context, Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world and created a work which has proven enduringly popular.

• Culture and the arts – Imperial Image
The idea of a politician ‘spinning’ their public image is one which is very familiar from contemporary media; and so this exploration of a Roman politician and his successful propaganda campaign is both highly relevant and engaging for learners. Augustus Caesar was, through careful management of public opinion, able to convince a society that was fundamentally anti-monarchical to turn away from its republican values and to accept one-man rule.

• Beliefs and ideas – Greek Religion
Religion was an essential part of ancient Greek identity, permeating all strata of society and all aspects of an individual’s daily life. Religion could be connected to the household, to life in the city or life in the countryside; moreover politics and religion were intertwined to the extent that political decisions were sometimes made on the basis of divine oracular intervention.

 


What do the pupils say?
“Classical Civilisation has been my favourite subject, mainly because the teachers are always showing their love for their subject.”

What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Studying Classical Civilisation will allow you to access a variety of careers. You will find Lawyers, Journalists, Teachers, Accountants, Bankers, Businessmen and Politicians, to name but a few, who have all had the benefit of studying Classics, a subject that makes you a clear and original thinker.

Assessment:

Assessment takes the form of three
examinations; there is no coursework element.

Paper 1 40%
The world of the hero 2 hr 20 mins. 100 marks

Paper 2 30%
Imperial Image 1 hr 45 mins. 75 marks

Paper 3 30%
Greek Religion 1 hr 45 mins. 75 marks
 
We get to discuss and argue about issues from the past which still have relevance today.
Harvey, U6 pupil

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