Classical Civilisation

Classics

The Classics course will introduce students to the more independent nature of studying Classics at degree level, through critical engagement with the Classical world. Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest which will involve writing an essay for the Mary Renault prize, which is a classical reception essay prize. Students will receive an introduction to the world of Classical Greek Art and study some great works of art through the Archaic and Classical periods.

Lesson Outline: One seminar per week with Mrs Miller for Introduction to Greek Art and one session for the Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Prize with Miss Vasquez.

Week 1:

Greek Art: Introduction to scope of the course. The main eras of Greek Art before Hellenisation and the types of sculpture to be studied (marble and bronze). Resources used will include the Khan Academy Greek Art lectures and PowerPoint from Mrs Miller.

Mary Renault: Introduction to the idea that ‘Classical Reception’ is an area of research relevant not only to the 21st century but to each period of history since the Middle Ages. Discussion of Dante, the reception of Greek and Roman mythology and ideas in the Renaissance, the Early Modern period and the Romantic period. Prep is to consider which aspects of Classical Reception most interest them and research books or articles relevant to these topics. Students should bring this list of reading to next session.

Week 2:

Greek Art: The Archaic period – Study of Male and Female Sculpture 650-500BC Khan Academy Greek Art lectures and PowerPoint from Mrs Miller (The New York Kouros, Berlin goddess, Aristodikos, peplos kore).

Mary Renault: Reception in the 20th century: from Horace to Auden, Sparta to Nazism and the focus on antiquity to a world at war. Students to decide from the topics they have learnt in the lessons and have researched in prep which area interests them the most, to study in detail for the Mary Renault essay prize. They should produce an essay proposal to discuss in the session and begin reading from their books and articles they have chosen. and to begin producing a bibliography for their chosen topic. Prep is to prepare notes from these readings, and record these notes in a bibliography.

Week 3:

Greek Art: The Early and High Classical period – Study of Male and Female Sculpture 499400BC Khan Academy Greek Art lectures and PowerPoint from Mrs Miller (Kritios boy, Zeus/ Poseidon, the Riace warriors, Doryphoros, Nike by Paionios).

Mary Renault: Thoroughly plan essay, including primary and secondary sources. Prep is to continue with reading and planning and beginning to write.

Week 4:

Greek Art: The Late Classical period – Study of Male and Female Sculpture 399-323 BC Khan Academy Greek Art lectures and PowerPoint from Mrs Miller (Hermes and Dionysus, Eirene and Ploutos, Aphrodite of Knidos, Apoxyomenos).

Mary Renault: Writing up the essay creating a finished essay 2000-4000 words and submit to Mary Renault Essay Prize.

Project Outcome: An appreciation and understanding of Greek Art and knowledge of some of the most impressive pieces from the Archaic and Classical Ages. Mary Renault: An essay of 2,0004,000 words with footnotes and bibliography. Title of essay will be decided by the student with the guidance of teachers. Submitted to a national competition.