Classical Civilisation

Head Of Department: Miss E McLaren
Contact Details: emm@felsted.org  
Instagram: @Felsted_Classics

Exam Board: OCR   www.ocr.org.uk
Syllabus Code: J199  

 

Why should I study Classical Civilisation?
The civilisations of the Greeks and Romans made our language, made our art, our architecture, our political institutions, our literature. They made us.

Expectations of independent study
In order to develop your understanding of the ancient world (and the parallels with the modern world), you will be expected to do some independent research, but this will be guided. Furthermore, you will need to read parts of ancient literature (in English) in preparation or consolidation of lesson work to aid your ability to analyse the text and to evaluate characterisation and themes within the book.

For each of the modules, you will be expected to complete exam-style questions to enhance your evaluative and analytical skills in preparation for the final exams.

Course Content
Myth and Religion: Students will study myths regarding the role of the gods and heroes in the founding of Athens and Rome and the importance of Heracles/Hercules to both the Greek and Roman world. They will explore Myth as a symbol of power as well as ever-popular myths about the underworld. They will also look at the role of religion in the everyday lives of ancient Greeks and Romans. The study of temples, sacrifice, festivals, death and belief in the afterlife will give a broad overview of religion in the ancient world.

War and Warfare: War is one of the most significant aspects of human behaviour, and war and warfare in the classical world hold an endless and compelling fascination.

This component covers both Greek and Roman civilisation, focusing on Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC, and on Rome in the Imperial period. Students will study the military systems and tactics of each society, and the interplay between war, politics and society. We will study key battles, not only what happened, but why and how this impacted on the societies involved.

What do the pupils say?
“I have found out so much about the Spartans and the Romans – this makes films like 300 and Gladiator make so much more sense, especially as I can now spot the flaws in them!”
“The teachers really make the subject come alive.” 
“I’m so glad that I went on the Italy trip as I am now studying Rome and Pompeii and know the sites so well.”

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
You will acquire a detailed knowledge of major aspects of Greek and Roman life and culture, through studying and evaluating a variety of evidence – texts, inscriptions, archaeological sites, vases, sculpture, day-to-day objects, weaponry and buildings.

You will be able to use your awareness of the similarities and differences between the classical world and later times so as to inform your thoughts and aspirations for your own lives.

Most importantly, the thinking and debating skills you will learn to employ will enable you to develop your evaluative and analytical skills – these will complement similar skills you will gain in other subjects, for example, in English and History.

Assessment:  
Component Group 1     Thematic Study  Myth & Religion  50%  
Component Group 2   Literature and Culture  War and Warfare  50%  

The teachers really make the subject come alive.
Ellie, Year 11