Classical Civilisation

Assessment

A-level Classical Civilisation (three examined modules): The World of the Hero (40%, 2 hour 20 minutes) Students study Homer's 'Iliad' alongside Virgil's 'Aeneid' exploring concepts of heroism and the context in which the epic poems were composed. The unit provides students with an opportunity to appreciate the lasting legacy of two epics that are regarded as the beginning of the Western literary canon. Greek Theatre (30%, 1 hour 45 minutes) Students explore the origins of theatre in the study of two Greek tragedies (Sophocles' 'Oedipus Tryannus' and Euripides' 'Bacchae') alongside one Greek comedy (Aristophanes' 'Frogs'). The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world, and has a profound and wide- reaching influence on modern culture. Democracy and the Athenians (30%, 1 hour 45 minutes) The aim of this component is to examine the concept of Democracy; what this meant to the Athenians, and its positive and negative aspects. By reading a variety of texts in translation, students study how democracy permeated Athenian identity, how it was celebrated and idealised, but also how it was criticised. The concepts of 'popular' leaders who mislead the people, or give them what they want rather than what they need, and a voting public who may not be fully informed on the issues, will resonate with today's learners and make this study of one of the West's foundational political ideas engaging and relevant. Students study Classical Civilisation for 2 years and all examinations are in the summer term.