AS/A Level Classical Civilisation

AS/A LEVEL CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

WHAT IS CLASSICAL CIVILISATION?
Classical Civilisation is an exciting and varied subject offering the opportunity to study elements of Archaeology, Architecture, Art, History, Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Religion and the social history of the Classical World.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION?

• It is a fascinating subject
• You will develop your critical and evaluative skills by analysing evidence of different kinds from the materials studied
• You will increase your awareness of the similarities and differences between the Classical world and later times, and thus gain sensitivity to past societies whose spiritual, cultural and moral values and priorities contrast with those of the modern western world

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

• No previous knowledge is required
• Enthusiasm and diligence
• A love of reading is essential
• An interest in other Cultures, Archaeology, History, Literature, Art, Sculpture and Architecture

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
The AS course is made up of two modules which cover the following topics:

Homers Odyssey and Society
This module deals with literature and its historical & social background. We focus on Homers Odyssey. Our study will include the nature of the hero, the role of the gods, and the part played by women in the story. We also study the style and structure of the poem and its relation to history and archaeology.

City Life in Roman Italy
In this module we look closely at the town of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia. We consider the buildings, their designs and decoration. We will also look at what they reveal about Roman history and society assessing both archaeological and literary evidence.

In the second year you can continue your studies with a further two modules covering the following:

The Epic and the Age of Augustus.
We build on the knowledge of Homer acquired at AS and we go on to read Virgils Aeneid and Homers Iliad, looking at the composition of the two epics, reasons for them and styles. We also look at the idea of propaganda in the ancient world.

Art and Architecture in the Greek World
This module looks at architectural sculpture, vase painting, free standing sculpture and temple architecture. We will consider the different forms and what they can tell us about the culture, politics and art of the ancient Greek world.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
At both AS and A2 Level each of the modules has a written exam of 1 hours. The exams themselves consist of passages for comment and essays.

COURSE COMMITMENT
We expect you to work outside of your timetabled lessons and advise an extra four hours of study a week at home plus two identified private studies periods within your college timetable.

COURSE COSTS
There a variety of visits that you will be able to consider taking part in. There is an annual visit to Newcastle University for the sixth form Classics open day costing approximately 15.00, a visit to The British Museum costing approximately 75.00 and every two years a trip to Greece.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
There are a variety of options open to you. In the past students have gone to University to study Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and Archaeology. This subject will also help you to develop high level analysis skills which will be relevant on lots of other degree courses.