A Level : Classical Civilisation

Would you follow Achilles into battle? Challenge a god? Escape a burning city? Or use a coin, statue and poem to turn one man into the most powerful figure in Rome?

Classical Civilisation brings the ancient Greek and Roman worlds to life through epic stories, art, religion, politics and power. You will meet proud heroes, interfering gods, dangerous rulers and unforgettable women. You will also ask serious questions: What makes a hero? When does duty become destructive? How can a leader control the way millions of people see him? The societies are ancient, but the arguments about identity, leadership, war, love and reputation still feel strikingly modern.

OCR component Our focus Assessment Questions you will explore

World of the Hero

40 percent Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid 2 hours 20 minutes; 100 marks Discover the world of the original Greek Hero, the rivalry of Hector and Achillies, the siege of Troy and the troubled relationship with the gods. The poems of Homer were considered by the Greeks

themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture,

standing as they do at the beginning of the Western

literary canon.

Culture and the Arts

30 percent Imperial Image 1 hour 45 minutes;

75 marks How was Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor, through careful management of public opinion, able to convince a society that was fundamentally anti-monarchical to turn away from its republican values and to accept one-man rule?

Beliefs and Ideas

30 percent One of the following:

• Greek Religion

• Love and Relationships

• Politics of the Late Republic

• Democracy and the Athenians 1 hour 45 minutes;

75 marks Explore the ideas and ideals important not only to the ancient world but also to the modern one. We explore areas of classical thought; from ideas about politics and correct governance, to what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ when it comes to love and desire, to the nature of the gods and their relationship with mankind.

Assessment:

The course is assessed entirely through written examinations. You will answer questions on ancient literary and visual sources and write analytical essays. There is no coursework and no requirement to read Latin or Ancient Greek.

Lessons combine close reading, discussion, source analysis and debate. You might track how Homer makes Hector sympathetic, compare statues and coins of Augustus, test whether Aeneas is heroic, or decide how far an ancient source can be trusted. You will learn to support an interpretation with precise evidence and to respond thoughtfully when another explanation is possible.

Entry Requirements:

No previous study of Classical Civilisation, Latin or Ancient Greek is required. Texts are studied in English translation. A minimum of two Grade 5 and four Grade 4 passes to include a grade 4 in English Language, and Mathematics. The course suits students who enjoy reading, ideas, discussion, analysing evidence and explaining their views in writing. Previous study of History at GCSE is not required.

Career Pathway

Classical Civilisation develops research, interpretation, communication and judgement. Those skills can support many degree and career routes, including areas that may not immediately look classical, such as law, game design, film and media, publishing, politics, heritage, museums, research, archaeology and teaching, to name but a few.