Download Classical Civilisation

Classical
Civilisation
What do I need to know, or be able to do,
before taking this course?
GCE A Level
Specific Entry Requirements:
B (or equivalent) grade or above in English
Language. No previous knowledge of
Greek or Roman Civilisation is required.
Entry requirements on ‘SSFC Course
Information, Advice & Guidance’ document
also apply.
Students who take this course have an
interest in Greek and Roman History
and Society. We are a very varied course,
studying myths, literature, history, politics,
art and architecture, philosophy and the
way people lived in Greece and Rome.
Students who study Classical Civilisation
develop skills of reading, writing and
historical analysis. Many students go on to
study Classically based courses at university
such as Ancient History, Classics (Latin and
Greek) or Classical Civilisation but History,
English, Law, Theatre Studies, Social
Sciences and Archaeology are also popular
choices with ex-students. Many students
take this course out of interest and discover
that it sits alongside any A Level course,
especially those which develop reading,
writing and discussion skills.
It is unlikely that students will have studied any aspect of the
Ancient World before so we do not require any specific GCSEs
to study this course. If you have an interest in different cultures,
history, literature, art or philosophy then this is a great course to
choose because it has aspects of many different subject areas.
If you enjoy reading and essay writing, discussion and analysis
then this is a course that you would enjoy.
What will I learn?
The core themes that run through this subject are:
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Society: relationships within the household, between the
household and the wider community, between different
communities
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Myths: Heroes, villains, monsters.
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Values: concepts of heroism, honour, duty, virtue, justice,
the good life
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Politics and leadership: bases of power, attitudes to those
in power, accountability of those in power, processes for
making decisions and resolving disputes, attitudes to war
and peace.
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History : A study of specific periods of Greek and Roman
History in order to understand the material studied.
•
Entertainment : the development of Greek Theatre and
tragedy
Religion: portrayal of gods, attitudes to gods, the role of
religion
Myths and Mythology (Myth and Literature)
What makes a hero? When the town of Troy was destroyed by
the Greeks, the hero Odysseus had many problems returning
home to Ithaca. He has many adventures on his return home
– monsters like the Cyclops try to prevent him reaching it. We
study Homers Odyssey
The Trojans fared worse at Troy. Their town was destroyed
but one man escaped. He sailed around the Mediterranean
before finally settling in Italy and starting a family which would
eventually found Rome. Even the Emperors themselves claimed
decent from him. We study Virgils Aeneid.
Tel: 01743 235491 Fax: 01743 242735
email: [email protected] ssfc.ac.uk
Greek Theatre with Art and Architecture – (Theatre and
Art History)
We look at the way that theatre developed in fifth century
Athens by studying Tragedy and Comedy from the period and
Classical
Civilisation
also find out what the Architecture would teach us about the
way plays were performed and what the Art of the period tells
us.
Greek Democracy – (History , Politics and Greek
Philosophical Thought)
We study the history of C6 and C5 Athens, the way that the
great Athenian philosophers , politicians and playwrights reflect
Greek democracy and learn about how the city ran.
Is this the right subject for me?
•
If you want to learn about a past society and culture you
will enjoy this subject
•
We are a very varied subject and fit well with lots of
different combinations of other subject areas
•
You can learn about the literature, art, architecture and
history of the ancient world and the ways in which they
affect the current world.
•
If you like reading and writing, this is an influential period of
history
•
•
If you enjoy the visual arts, this is a very influential period
Ancient philosophers teach us much about discussion,
debate and argument.
You will learn through:
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Reading
Watching films and documentaries
Visual material such as vase painting or buildings
Debate
Essay writing
Presentations
How will I be assessed?
You will take two exams at the end of two years.
What can I do after I’ve completed the
course?
Many students go on to study classically based courses at
university such as Ancient History, Classics (Latin and
Greek) or Classical Civilisation, History, English, Theatre Studies,
Social Sciences and Archaeology are also popular choices with
ex-students.
Classical Civilisation students can be found in all sorts of careers
such as legal services, teaching, travel and tourism, public
services, theatre, civil service, journalism, politics, museum and
historical archives to name a few!
Many students take this course out of interest and discover
that it sits alongside any A level course, especially those which
develop reading, writing and discussion skills.
Costs:
We currently provide texts for students free of charge but they may
wish to purchase their own. They must buy specific translations,
details are available from the department.
Any extra curricular trips or visits will incur a cost.