| |
 |
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION
Subject Department:
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION
Examination Board: OCR
AS Code:
3816 A2 Code:
7816
Specification Summary
The specifications offer candidates the opportunity to study elements
of the archaeology, architecture, art, history, literature, philosophy,
politics, religion and social history of the Classical world. They
are designed to encourage students to:
 |
acquire,
through studying literature in translation and material evidence,
knowledge and understanding of selected aspects of Classical
Greek and Roman Civilisation;
|
 |
develop awareness
of the similarities and differences between the Classical
world and later times, and thus to gain a sensitivity to past
societies whose spiritual, cultural and moral values and priorities
contrast with those of the modern western world;
|
 |
apply critical and evaluative
skills at an appropriate level to evidence of different kinds
from the material studied; |
 |
progress to Higher Education courses, or directly into employment.
|
Prior Level of Attainment
There is no requirement for prior learning or attainment (eg GCSE
in Classical Civilisation or knowledge of Latin or Greek)
Course Content Summary - Advanced
Subsidiary (AS)
Three modules are studied: Greek Tragedy 2, Roman
Epic, and Roman Britain. Assessment is by examination, with no coursework.
• Greek
Tragedy 2 -Euripides
This module deals principally with literature and society, but is
also concerned with history, religion and values. The main focus
is a close study of three plays by Euripides (in translation), exploring
dramatic technique and conventions, the use of music and dance,
treatment of character and use of language, and taking into consideration
how 5th-century Athenians viewed the gods, their role in the world
and their festivals, the stories of the heroes, and the roles of
men and women in the life of the city.
• Roman
Epic -Virgil's Aeneid
This module also deals with literature, and the context and influences
of the epic tradition, but also society, politics, religion and
history. The Aeneid is studied both as a literary work
and as Virgil's response to the political and social developments
of his day. Areas of study include the concept of the epic hero,
the gods and fate, literary technique, characterisation and the
moral values of the poem.
• Roman
Britain -the Occupation and Tacitus's Agricola
Dealing principally with areas of history and archaeology, and,
to a lesser extent, literature. The focus is on the various types
of written evidence for the Roman conquest and occupation of Britain,
and the factors which influenced the Roman decision to invade. The
campaigns of Caesar and Agricola, the Roman army and military sites
are studied in detail, giving consideration to the nature of Britain
at the time of the conquest, the reliability of the available source
material and the motives of Roman authors who wrote about Britain.
Course Content Summary - A2 level
The course comprises three modules: Greek Tragedy
1 and Greek Epic, both assessed by examination, and the Individual
Study (coursework).
• Greek
Tragedy 1 -Aeschylus and Sophocles
This module deals with the same areas as Greek Tragedy 2. The main
focus is a close study of one of Aeschylus's and two of Sophocles's
plays, together with an exploration of the relationships, developments,
similarities and differences between the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles
and Euripides. At A2 students are examined on the content of both
Tragedy modules.
• Greek
Epic - Homer's Iliad or Odyssey
In addition to studying the prescribed texts and analysing Homer's
literary technique, students explore the relationship between Greek
and Roman, oral and literary epic, and focus on the moral and social
values expressed in the poems, including the concepts of "honour"
and "reputation", the part played by women, the role of
the gods and the power of Fate. Students are examined on both Greek
and Roman Epic.
• Coursework
Students research a topic of their own choice and submit an essay
of approximately 3000 words for assessment.
Links to Careers,
Employment and Higher Education
This course is an excellent preparation for
reading Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or Archaeology at
university, but also a good foundation for a degree in History,
Philosophy, English or Modern Languages. With their analytical skills
and the intellectual flexibility that comes from studying a wide
range of disciplines (for example literature, history, philosophy)
Classics graduates are highly employable and a vast range of careers
is open to them, including education, politics, civil service, industry,
finance, journalism and broadcasting.
top of page
|
 |
 |
|