Classical Civilisation AS Level

Classical Civilisation AS/A Level
Humanities
Board and Syllabus details
Board: OCR
About the subject
The ancient Greeks and Romans have influenced our lives in many ways. This subject explores significant areas of art and literature (in translation) from the Greek and Roman worlds. The main focus is literary, but some understanding of historical context is also given. Greek epic involves learning something about prehistory and the results of archaeology, while Roman epic brings in contemporary Roman politics and an understanding of how the Romans imitated and modified Greek models. Greek tragedy looks at the plays in the context of their contemporary setting and of the physical theatres of the time. The art and architecture module looks at vase painting, at sculpture and at sanctuaries such as those of Delphi and Olympia.
Learning Styles
Work in class can be teacher-led or involve whole group discussions or small groups or work in pairs. There is a textbook for the art module, but otherwise students use Penguin translations as the basis for study. Videos, photo CDs, trips to the theatre and the British Museum etc. are an integral part of the course, and every other year a trip to Greece is offered, linking directly to the art and architecture and indirectly to the rest of the course. Willingness to read around the subject and to argue and discuss in class are valued. Written work involves note taking and preparing for essays and questions on a printed passage in the exams.

Subject combinations and progression

The subject combines well with English Literature or Language and Literature, with History, with Art, Theatre Studies etc, but can equally well be taken as a contrast to other subjects such as Maths or Physics. Students studying Sociology or Psychology often bring interesting insights to their study of Classics. Most students go on to Higher education in a variety of areas, including some with a classical component (Archaeology, Ancient History etc.).

Subject modules and assessment
AS modules: Homer's Odyssey and Society
Greek Tragedy in its Context
A2 modules: Art and Architecture in the Greek World
The Epic and the Age of Augustus

Entry Requirements
C in English Language.