Classical Civilisation

Course summary

No previous knowledge of Classics is required but a willingness to engage with some of the greatest literary texts from the ancient world, all studied in English translation. Resilience and stamina are required to engage with complicated texts such as Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. Some components include visual material, studied alongside literary sources; for instance, in the A3 year, the Greek Drama module involves both visual sources, such as images on vases, and literary texts from a selection of tragic and comic playwrights. The course involves a good deal of reading and essay writing, as well as class discussion of texts or visual material - often requiring a personal response. The skills of evaluating sources from the ancient world, literary appreciation and analysis of wider themes are all developed over the course. A level of Classical Civilisation combines well with other Arts subjects, such as English, History, Greek or Latin, History of Art, Art, Drama and Theatre; it will, however, serve as a broadening complement to virtually any other subject. A visit to Greece or Italy is usually made available at some stage during the course, as well as visits to relevant talks, theatrical performances and museums.