Classical Civilisation

Course summary

Classical Civilisation offers the chance to study the dazzling literature, culture and philosophy of the Ancient Greeks and Romans without prior knowledge of Latin or Classical Greek. Students will be immersed in the world of gods and heroes by way of Homer and Virgil's grand epics (all in translation), as well as covering a range of fascinating topics such as the development of democracy in Athens, or the assassination of Julius Caesar and eventual crumbling of the Roman Republic. Students can discover how the diminutive Greek city-states resisted the Persian threat and the greatest army the world has ever known, or experience the theatre of Ancient Athens by way of its tragedy and comedy. Study of the ancient world helps us acquire an understanding of our society, history, and culture and develops skills of critical evaluation and analysis.