What is the course about?

Classical Civilisation will give you the opportunity to study a wide range of disciplines covering literature, history, politics, art and architecture. This course will inform and develop your knowledge of the classical world in its Greek or Roman context, giving you the opportunity to succeed in an area you enjoy or are particularly interested in. We aim to provide you with a range of interesting sources which combines the visual and written media.

For the AS level you will study:

During the AS year you will be taught how to examine the most significant aspects of Greek architecture, art and sculpture. You will look at the main characteristics and use of the architecture being studied and assess the relationship between them. You will consider the use of sculpture in its public and religious context, looking particularly at its political, cultural, social and aesthetic power and significance.

You will also study Homer’s magnificent epic poem the Iliad by exploring the portrayal of war and mortal suffering. You will critically examine the roles and relationships between men, women and the gods relating this to the religious, cultural and social values implicit in the text.

For the A2 level you will study:

In the A2 year, you will undertake a comparative study of the Persian Wars 490- 479 BC, looking at the events and personalities of the Persian Wars and the society and values of the Greeks and Persians. You will consider the differing attitudes of the Greek states towards Persia looking at the way this changed during the period of the Persian Wars. Through a range of different sources you will assess the way cultural, social and political values of these two civilizations come into collision.

You will also undertake a critical study of Virgil’s compelling epic poem the Aeneid, making links between the poem and the historical circumstances in which it was written. You will study Roman society, religion philosophy, culture and politics, particularly the reign of Augustus between 44 BC and AD 14. You will also have the opportunity to look at the way the Trojan myth cycle is established by Homer is retold by Virgil from Roman perspective.

How is the course assessed?

Two exams in your AS year, written papers, each exam 1 hour 30 minutes.

Unit 1: Greek Architecture and Sculpture

Unit 2: Homer Iliad

Two exams in your A2 year, written papers, each exam 1 hour 30 minutes.

Unit 3: The Persian Wars

Unit 4: Roman Epic, Aeneid

What skills will I need and develop in this course?

This course will teach you research skills and how to select and evaluate relevant literary, cultural or historical sources.

The course will develop your essay writing skills through teaching you how to analyse, evaluate and interpret a range of different material, including primary classical sources, whether texts in translation or physical evidence.

Subject combination advice:

A study of Classical Civilisation compliments many other popular A levels, including English Literature, Art, Government and Politics, Philosophy, History, History of Art, Drama and Theatre Studies, as well as the study of classical languages. Many students taking Mathematical and Science based subjects can also benefit from taking Classical Civilisation as a fourth A level.

What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?

The study of Classical Civilisation encourages you to develop the critical and evaluative skills which will enable you to study a wide range of disciplines in Higher Education. It will not only prepare you for Classics or Ancient History at university, but will enhance your understanding of English Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics or Art.

What are the formal entry requirements for this course?

Aside from the general entry critera that the College requires, you will also need a grade C in GCSE English.

What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?

Throughout the year you will have an opportunity to attend a variety of lectures on specific units you are studying on the course. Every year the Classics Department runs trips to Greece or Rome as a way of enriching your understanding and appreciation of the classical world, its society and values. We also organise visits to museums and plays in London locations.