AS and A level Classical Civilisation
A Level
In Southampton
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Southampton
Classical Civilisation is the study of the ancient world of Greece and Rome using archaeology, art, architecture, political and social history, and literature. The methods used are both literary and scientific. Students gain not only knowledge but also cultural appreciation and useful transferable skills.
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
You will need: At least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language. You do not need to have studied any classical subjects before but should be interested in the ancient world, its history, literature and archaeology. In each year one unit is based mostly on archaeology and one on literature.
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Course programme
Classical Civilisation is the study of the ancient world of Greece and Rome using archaeology, art, architecture, political and social history, and literature. The methods used are both literary and scientific. Students gain not only knowledge but also cultural appreciation and useful transferable skills.
What does the course consist of?
You will study two units in the first year for the AS level, and two in the second to complete the full Advanced Level.
AS Level
Unit 1 Mycenae and Classical Archaeology
You will gain an appreciation of archaeology, art and architecture of the ancient Greek and Roman world with a focus on Mycenaean sites on mainland Greece. In addition you will learn about the methods and practices used by archaeologists. This will involve studying the archaeological artefacts and sites from photographs, plans and drawings.
Unit 2 Homer's Odyssey and Society
You will read the story of Odysseus's ten years of wandering trying to reach home after the Trojan War. You will consider the methods the poet uses to tell the story as well as studying how the story represents the society and the values of the time.
A level
Unit 1 The culture of Athens 449-399BC
You will study life and attitudes in Athens in the 5th century BC. This will include Socrates' ideas, drama- tragedy and comedy, religious festivals, the status of citizens, women and slaves, art and architecture. This forms a useful background to the literature study.
Unit 2 Comic Drama in the Ancient World
You will study Greek and Roman comedies written by Aristophanes, Menander and Plautus. You will consider both the style and structure of the plays and the social, and political context in which they are set and on which they base their humour.
All units are assessed by written examination involving one essay question and one question based on a literary extract or picture, plan or diagram of archaeological material.
What else do I need to know? These units of the Classical Civilisation course provide an opportunity to study the classical world of both Greece and Rome from a wide variety of perspectives. They provide excellent preparation for students wishing to progress to further study of archaeology or classical studies at University. The course also provides a broader experience for students interested in the study of literature or history. Because of the study of Roman Britain this is regarded as a national curriculum subject by many universities offering training for primary teachers.
AS and A level Classical Civilisation