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    Classical Civilisation

    A Level

    Classical Civilisation is a varied and stimulating A level course. The course will suit students who are keen to develop their own ideas and responses to a range of literature and other sources. Students do not need to have studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE level to take this option.

    The aims of the course are for students to:

    • develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the classical world
    • develop and apply analytical and evaluative skills
    • acquire, through studying a range of appropriate sources, knowledge and understanding of  selected aspects of classical civilisation
    • develop awareness of the continuing influence of the classical world on later times and of the   similarities and differences between the classical world and later times
    • make an informed, personal response to the material studied

    Our Classical Civilisation students have the opportunity to form an integral part of our Sixth Form Classical Leaders team, helping to encourage younger students in their interest and achievement in Classics throughout the school, presenting assemblies, meeting and sourcing speakers, and exciting the school community about the Classical World.

    Course Outline: 3 units:

    1. The World of the Hero: Homer’s Odyssey & Virgil’s Aeneid

    Two of the fundamental writers of western literature, read by every significant later author, Homer and Virgil created a world of epic voyages, magic, battles and human interaction.

    In this module, we analyse and compare the two epics with respect to their storytelling, characterisations and key themes. On the surface, the two epics may seem similar, but the circumstances under which they were written — not to mention the 7 intervening centuries — show that they are very different works for very different purposes.

    1. Greek Theatre

    In the sixth century BC, theatre was invented in Athens and with it a new genre of expression was born — the forerunner of modern cinema, stagework and TV.

    In this module, we look at three of the titan productions of the Athenian stage, Aristophanes’ comedy The Frogs, Euripides’ tragedy The Bacchae and Sophocles’ iconic Oedipus the King.

    1. Love & Relationships

    This comparative module between the ancient Greek and Roman worlds considers the works of the first known female author, Sappho, as well as the witty and cynical Roman poet Ovid. We investigate their writing against the philosophical and societal backgrounds of the Greeks and Romans as presented by Plato and Seneca.

    The close study of these texts can seem to be both a window into a completely different social universe and a mirror that reflects our own. Often the Roman social scene appears to be surprisingly familiar!

    Entry Requirements: As stated in the admission policy

    Special Requirements: A GCSE in Classical Civilisation is useful but not essential. No knowledge of Latin or Classical Greek is required.

    Exam Board: OCR