Classical Civilisation

Why study this subject?

If you want to develop your skills of critical analysis and debate, whilst also exploring the fascinating worlds of Ancient Greece and Rome, then Classical Civilisation is the course for you. A multidisciplinary subject, Classics allows for the development of a range of study skills and academic techniques.

Here at Greenhead College, we consider history, literature, philosophy, politics and archaeology in our investigations of the Classical World. We look at written texts (in translation), material artefacts and world-famous archaeological sites, all of which help to enhance your interest and understanding.

Classicists excel in a wide range of degree courses and careers, including education, politics, journalism, law and advertising. The reason for this is that, through studying Classics, you will develop a broad range of transferable skills. This is also why Classics complements so many other A Level subjects.

In our lessons, discussions of the materials we have read and evaluated are integral. Your opinions and ideas are important to us, and we will help you refine your ability to think critically and argue persuasively with confidence. Our teaching of the subject involves a good mix of group work, independent study, role plays, quizzes, timed essays, videos, source analysis, podcasts, presentations, and opportunities to attend conferences, productions and visits to significant sites.

Throughout your A Level, you will be fully supported by an enthusiastic department and a wide range of resources. If you want to be academically challenged and inspired by the study of the ancient world, join us. Classical Civilisation can be studied alongside one of our History A Level options.

Topics You Will Cover

This course follows the OCR specification.

Topics include three different, but interlinked, areas:

Unit One

This unit considers the World of the Hero. Here, we will study the epic poetry of Homer (The Iliad) and Virgil (The Aeneid), in translation. Their tales of the Trojan War and its aftermath are captivating accounts that raise many debates about what it means to be a hero and the purpose of war, while also allowing us to reflect upon the social and cultural contexts in which these tales were created.

From the anger of Achilles and the intervention of the Olympian gods to a consideration of the futility of war, there are many exciting angles to explore. English Literature students will find this unit especially engaging.

Unit Two

This is a more visual and tangible consideration of Culture and the Arts. We will study the reign of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. Through a historical study of his long reign, we will consider how he cleverly used political ‘spin’ to create an ‘Imperial Image’.

This unit allows us to combine the disciplines of history, poetry, art and sculpture when forming our ideas and opinions. There are clearly many modern parallels to be drawn, which may particularly interest students of Politics and History.

Unit Three

This unit is an exploration of Beliefs and Ideas in the Classical World. Specifically, we will study the politics of the Late Roman Republic. This was an era of great upheaval, during which one system of government deteriorated so badly that a monarchy was eventually established. In this period, violence and corruption in politics became endemic and civil wars erupted, forcing citizens to choose sides.

We will examine the actions and beliefs of prominent individuals such as Julius Caesar, Cicero and Cato in an attempt to understand why the existing political and social system became unfit for purpose. We will also consider the role of ordinary people through topics such as the rise of populism. Students of Politics and Philosophy will find this unit especially interesting.