Classical Civilisation

Course summary

By taking A Level Classical Civilisation you will be able to develop your interest in Classical Greek and Roman cultures whilst increasing your awareness of their continued influence on our own society. You will engage with a variety of poems, plays and archaeological artefacts as source material for the ancient world, to which you will be encouraged to make an informed and personal response. The following units are taken through Years 12 and 13: The World of the Hero: we read Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid (both in English translation), the most influential epic poems of their societies. Through discussion, we consider the nature of epic poetry and heroism, elicit themes and analyse characterisation. And via the texts we explore the societies, values, politics and religion of the ancient world. Greek Theatre: we read three plays (again in English translation) to help us understand the place of drama in ancient Athenian society. The two tragedies (Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, and Euripides’ Bacchae) allow us to discuss themes of politics and religion in Athens, and the comedy (Aristophanes’ Frogs) offers a more lighthearted exploration of these aspects of Athenian life. Greek Religion: we look at a range of literary and artistic sources to explore the nature of ancient Greek religion. We consider their perceptions of gods, their rituals and religious practices, Greek belief in oracles, and the Athenians’ philosophical discussion on the world around them.