Classical Civilisation

Exam Board: OCR | Head of Department: Mr D Menashe

Top three reasons to choose Classical Civilisation

1 Develop your ability to research, collate and analyse materials and learn to critically evaluate sources in order to formulate arguments. 2 Read some of the most influential and entertaining poems and plays in world literature in translation. 3 Study literature, history, culture and philosophy – the variety of subject material means this is a subject highly valued by universities and employers.

What grades and skills do students need to study Classical Civilisation?

Students can take this subject without having studied it at GCSE, but for those that have, the minimum requirement is a grade 5. Students need to be willing to research material independently and present their findings to others. You need to be willing to read a variety of different genres of literature and justify opinions using source evidence.

Modules/subject areas covered

• Epic literature – the study of Virgil’s Aeneid and

Homer’s Iliad or the Odyssey • Ancient theatres, dramatic festivals, comedy and tragedy • A study of the literature and philosophy on love and relationships in the Greek and Roman world

What next?

Classical Civilisation A level develops skills needed for many courses at university. Many students go on to study the subject at university, or a related subject such as Ancient History or Archaeology. Others go on to study English, History, Law, Philosophy or Drama related courses. Equally, other students study it in conjunction with STEM subjects to give them an excellent skills base. Students have gone on to study Medicine and Engineering in recent years.

Did you know?

J K Rowling studied Classical Civilisation at Edinburgh University, using her knowledge of ancient myths and Latin extensively in her novels. She is one of many writers, broadcasters and politicians to have studied the ancient world.