Classical Civilisation

Course summary

The OCR A Level course is designed for pupils with a passion for the culture, literature and ideas of the Ancient World, but does not demand any linguistic knowledge of either Latin or Greek; all texts are studied in translation. GCSE Classical Civilisation is not a requirement either. Throughout the course the emphasis is on reading the ancient texts with a critical and open mind and writing essays on their content, style, significance and interpretation. In this respect it is very similar to English Literature, and demands similar skills of analysis, argument, and counterargument, all based on factual knowledge of the texts. The examinations require the development of critical thinking and the ability to write discursively and persuasively - both vital (and transferable) skills which this course will seek to develop. Furthermore, the material itself is of immense cultural importance and human interest to all.