A Level Classical Civilisation AS/A2

A Level

Distance

£ 295 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Methodology

    Distance Learning

  • Duration

    18 Months

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Reading classic Greek literary works

This A Level Classical Civilisation Course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain knowledge and understanding of this subject or for anyone who wishes to study at a higher level at University. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for further training whilst employed.

This course presents an overview of life, literature, art and architecture in 5th century Greece. Students will begin by reading Homer's Odyssey and will learn about the role of gods and the power of fate. Other topics will be discussed during the reading of the poem; these include morality, revenge and justice and the role of slaves. The reading of Homer's Odyssey will focus on the literary context of course, but will also include archaeological aspects.

The second unit of this course will require that students learn to analyse literary works in Greek tragedy such as the tragic plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides and demonstrate their knowledge of what Greek society was like in the 5th century. This includes the festivals typical of that time, but also societal values then, such as what constituted honor and the how women were portrayed.

As the course moves to the third and fourth unit, there will be more discussion of the political system then, particularly when reading Virgil's epic poem, the Anaeid. In this last unit, students will be building upon what they will have already learned and will be analysing the social and political aspects of the poem.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Distance Learning

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy. You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 18 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

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Subjects

  • Greek
  • Secondary
  • Art
  • Sculpture
  • Works
  • Archaeology
  • History education
  • History
  • Heroism
  • Role of Women
  • Classic Greek Art and Architecture
  • Homer's Odyssey
  • Language of Epic
  • Realism and Fantasy
  • 5th Century Athens
  • Greek Tragedy
  • Homer's Iliad

Teachers and trainers (1)

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Distance Learning Provider

A Distance Learning Course is the ideal way to gain a qualification without having the worry of trying to fit your studies around your everyday life. You can complete your studies in your own time and we are on hand seven days a week to help you plan your future.

Course programme

Modules

AS Level
Unit 1: Homer’s Odyssey and Society (F382)


Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey and the values and societies it represents. The principal focus of the unit is on literature, with secondary focus on history and archaeology. The examination questions will be set on Odyssey Books 4-12 and 18-22.

The social and cultural context: The themes to be studied and on which candidates shall be examined are: the role of the gods and the power of fate; the stories of the heroes; the concept of heroism including timé and kleos; morality including justice and revenge; life and society as portrayed by Homer; the role of women; hospitality and xenia; the role of slaves and the historical and archaeological background.

The literary context: Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of: the oral tradition; textual transmission of the texts; the preliterate form of the texts and theories of the composition of the text; structure of the text and literary techniques; the language of epic; characterisation; supernatural elements; realism and fantasy; disguise and recognition and nostos.

AS Level
Unit 2: Greek Tragedy in its Context (F384)

The tragic plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides as literary works and as social documents for the societies and values they represent. The principal focus of this unit is on literature, society and values, with a secondary focus on philosophy, religion and history. From June 2009-2011 inclusive, the examination questions will be set on: Aeschylus’ Agamemnon; Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Euripides’ Medea and Bacchae.

The social and cultural context: Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge and show understanding of the following in fifth century Athens: dramatic festivals; the role of the gods and fate; oracles, omens and prophecies; morality including justice and revenge; death and burial; the stories of the heroes and the ideas of honour and reputation; the role of men in the life of the city; the position of women in society and the importance of children and the family.

The literary context: Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of: the theatre building and machinery; the use of actors; the use of the chorus; other dramatic conventions; attitude towards the portrayal of death and violence; characterisation; use of language and dramatic irony; the nature of tragedy including hamartia, katharsis and peripeteia and the particular styles and approaches characteristic of the three tragedians and their contribution to the development of the genre of Greek tragedy.

A2 Level
Unit 3: Art and Architecture in the Greek world (F388)


The sculpture, architecture and vase painting of the classical Greek world with a principal focus on art, architecture and religion. The secondary focus is on society and values. Candidates must be familiar with a range of free-standing sculpture, temple architecture, vase paintings and architectural sculpture.

A2 Level
Unit 4: Virgil and the World of the Hero (F390)


Virgil’s epic poem the Aeneid and the values and societies it represents, with a principal focus on literature, society and values, and a secondary focus on religion, politics and history. The similarities and differences between Virgil’s portrayal of the hero and that found in selected parts of Homer’s Iliad.

The political, social, historical and cultural context: Candidates are expected to show their knowledge and understanding of: Virgil’s relationship to the regime of Augustus and the political and historical background in which the Aeneid was written.

The literary context: Furthermore, candidates are expected to show knowledge and understanding of: the composition of both epics; the plot; narrative and descriptive techniques; characterisation and themes including heroism, honour and reputation, family, women, the role of the gods, the power of fate, the portrayal of war, moral values and the role of Aeneas in imperial history of Rome.

The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. We call these Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). You need only send the TMAs to your tutor for comment, not the self-assessment exercises which are also part of the course to help you gauge your progress.

Exams are taken at an OCR Approved Centre and we can provide an extensive list of centres for you.

A Level Classical Civilisation AS/A2

£ 295 + VAT