Classics (General)

Course summary

Students are encouraged to become aware of the place of classical texts in the history of European literature and ideas. Studying Latin or Classical Greek within the IB Diploma gives students a number of transferable skills and enables them to explore their interests in literature, history and language. Within both Higher and Standard Level, students read a range of authors and texts, so that, while developing their linguistic abilities, they also improve their critical appreciation of the cultural contexts, philosophical ideas and literary qualities contained in these works. Pupils are encouraged to become aware of the place of these crucial texts in the development of European literature and ideas, through interrogating the historical environments and cultural attitudes that shaped the production and reception of these texts as well as by considering the essential differences and similarities between Classical civilisations and their own. Moreover, the nature of the process of translating from Latin or Greek develops students’ problem-solving skills.