AS/A2 Ancient History

Why should I study History at Cardinal Newman College?History is a very popular subject at Cardinal Newman, with nearly 300 students taking one of the range of AS or A Level courses. Our team of teachers are dedicated, talented and enthusiastic and results over recent years have been outstanding and the number of students achieving high grades. In addition to exam success the History department offers a range of enrichment opportunities including regular foreign field trips (Rome, Berlin, Poland, Russia), as we encourage our students to develop a life long interest in the subject. History is located in one of our new buildings and has impressive facilities.
What is History?
Understanding our history is vital to making sense of the modern world:

"Of all the studies, which make a person a citizen of the intellectual commonwealth, none is so valuable as history... for history is the home in which all the other subjects live." (Bertrand Russell - Philosopher).
What's on the course?
In the first year you'll study:

· The Development of Athenian Democracy: This includes; the nature of Athenian democracy; the nature and level of participation in the democratic system; the workings of the assembly, the council and the role and function of magistrates and generals and ostracism; the workings of the courts and their role in democracy; the role and significance of prominent of individuals; the importance of rhetoric and public speaking for leadership in Athens.

· Augustus and Principate: This includes; Actium and the aftermath of civil war; the constitutional settlement of 28/7BC and 23 BC; the powers and roles adopted by Augustus or given to others; the role of the emperor's family, friends and supporters; the opposition to the emperor and its presentation in the sources; Augustus' relationship to senate, soldiers, plebs and provisional.

In the second year you'll study:

· The Culture of Athens: This includes; the intellectual climate; the sophists and Socrates; dramatic festivals and the theatre; including tragedy and comedy; religious festivals and sanctuaries; Athenian view of themselves and non-Athenians; art and architecture.

· The Invention of the Imperial Rome: This includes; succession and establishment of dynasties; the reigns of Gaius, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, Domitian; Rome as the capital of the empire; art and architecture; Panem et circenses; the relations of the emperors with senators, equestrians and the people; administration of Rome; social, moral and religious life in Rome.

There is no coursework involved in this course.
Progression
Results throughout the History department have been consistently outstanding and the numbers of students achieving grades A or B is very high. A large proportion of our students continue their studies of this subject at a range of universities across the country eventually moving on to a wide range of careers such as teaching, journalism, law and archaeology among others. We strive ourselves on providing students with a life long passion for History.