Classical Civilisation

Course summary

The Classical Civilisation course allows pupils to study some of the key moments and ideas in western history and literature. At the heart of the linear course is a compulsory paper covering the epics of Homer and Virgil. In addition, pupils will study the origins of Greek theatre, including both a close reading of works by Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes and an examination of the context in which the plays were performed. The third paper will allow pupils to explore the historical and political landscape of the late Roman Republic, through a range of literary and archaeological sources. Pupils concentrate on Greece in the lower sixth year, moving on to Rome in the upper sixth. There is a commitment to essay writing, but knowledge and understanding of the historical sources and literary texts is also explored through class discussion and context questions. There is no coursework.