Classical Civilisation draws on both the Greek and Roman world, covering a wide range of topics and ideas. You will study both ancient literature in English translation, giving you the chance to explore and discuss fascinating texts with universal themes of love and loss, as well as studying visual and archaeological sources, including a range of Greek art and architecture. Over the two-year course, you will study three components: The World of the Hero – 2 hours 30 min. 100 marks (40%) In this paper, you study both Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. This gives you the opportunity to discover two of the most beautiful and influential epic poems in Western Civilisation from both Ancient Greece and Rome. The Eighth Century BCE poems of Homer with their exciting narratives, gods and heroes were considered by the Greeks themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as from his own very different cultural and political context of the First Century BCE, Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world. By analysing and comparing both texts in translation we can explore the attitudes and values these epics reveal and can appreciate why they have never lost their impact. Culture and the Arts – 1 hour 45 min. (30%) Greek Theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world and has had a profound and wide-reaching influence on modern culture. You will study not only the plays themselves, but the context in which their form and production developed, including the physical theatre space and depictions of the plays being performed. Both fantastic tragedy and comedy is studied with Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Euripides’ Bacchae and Aristophanes’ Frogs. Be prepared to be shocked and amazed! Beliefs and Ideas – 1 hour 45 min. (30%) Religion was an essential part of ancient Greek identity and could be connected to the household, the city, county life and every element of the political world. You will study the practicalities of religious ritual, the role it played in society, the functions and layout of famous temple complexes and develop your sense of the central role religion played in the life of everyday people. Also included are the very different role of Mystery Cults, and the tensions caused by the rise of philosophical thinking. Classicists learn skills which employers value. They are independent thinkers, analytical, good at problem-solving and articulate. Employers know that Classicists can think and write clearly and that they appreciate the value of other cultures and communities. You will be encouraged to extend your study beyond the classroom, through attending lectures and educational visits, including opportunities to visit classical sites in Italy or Greece. We promote wider reading and advertise relevant visiting author tours. Essay competitions and the Classical Symposium help develop research and presentation skills. All this sets you in good stead for the future, no matter what it holds. Classical Civilisation is open to all students and will work well with any combination of subjects. You do not need to have studied GCSE Latin, Greek or Classical Civilisation. It offers you the opportunity to explore the literature, art, history, politics, beliefs and culture of the ancient world. If you enjoy History or English Literature, Psychology or Religion and Philosophy, then you can be confident that you will be well-suited to this course. However, if you are interested in life, people and the big ideas and beliefs that shape us, then this subject is for you! At RHSB, you will be encouraged to extend your study beyond the classroom. Typical experiences include study days in the UK, theatre trips and visits from authors and university lecturers, as well as residential trips which are offered further afield from Hadrian’s Wall to Italy.