CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

Exam Board: OCR Head of Department: James Bamforth MA (Cambridge) PGCE

Are you right for the course?

You will need strength in reading a variety of texts and writing about them; you need to be able to assimilate information, and analyse and make judgments from what you study. Much more importantly, you need to be fascinated by the Classical World (Greece and Rome) and interested in the myths, culture, their ways of life and the history of these peoples.

All materials studied on the course have been translated into English for you. We do not read them in Latin or Greek. Nor do you need to have studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE. Across the country, the majority of pupils starting the course in the Sixth Form are fresh to the Ancient World.

Unit 1 Epic Poetry - the World of the Hero [40% of A Level]

Homer - the Odyssey Virgil - the Aeneid Vase painting, free standing sculpture and temple structure from Ancient Greece

A study of rituals and buildings of Greek religion. To what extent was religion as practised in ancient times a personal or public affair?

Unit 2 - Greek Art [30% of A Level] Unit 3 - Greek Religion [30% of A Level]

What does it offer?

Classical Civilisation offers you a chance to: •Acquire knowledge and understanding of Greece and Rome. •Compare how their spiritual, cultural and moral values and priorities compare with those of the modern world. •Develop critical thinking along with analytical and evaluative skills in Literature, History and

Art.

Outside the classroom the department enjoys: •Trips to Sixth Form conferences to hear lively speakers and trips to plays. •‘The Classical Tour’ is a really important part of the study and has proven rather popular over the last few years. We tour the sites and museums of Greece, especially Athens, Delphi and Olympia. Other destinations, such as Italy, Sicily and Turkey have also been visited in the past.

Where will it lead you?

There are now a wide variety of linguistic and non-linguistic Classics and Classical Studies, Ancient History, Archaeology and Art History courses at university level. Moreover, a good grade in Classical Civilisation will also be highly respected at any university in the country for courses such as Law, Philosophy, English and History.

What subjects does it go with?

The subject combines well with all Arts and Humanities combinations. Those studying English Literature, Art, History, Theatre Studies, RS, Film Studies, will all find cross-fertilisation with their other subjects.