Classical Civilisation

Course summary

Classical Civilisation will appeal to anyone interested in literature, history and art. Pupils will study material from both Greece and Rome and their surrounding worlds, drawn from diverse periods ranging from Archaic Greece to Imperial Rome. This material will encompass aspects of literature, visual/ material culture and classical thought in their respective social, historical and cultural contexts. Pupils will study a range of evidence and use this to form substantiated judgements and responses. No previous knowledge of Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History is required, and all topics are studied in English. However, you do need to have a genuine interest in classical literature, history and culture. If you do not, then this may not be an appropriate course for you. The texts are not studied in isolation, but rather in the context of the social, political and historical settings of the time. Individual responses and ideas are as important as the assimilation of knowledge. Therefore pupils should expect to engage in classroom discussion and debate, testing out their ideas. All topic areas are examined by written papers, so developing essay skills will be important