Classical Civilisation (OCR

Entry Requirements

Students do not have to have studied Classical Civilisation before to take this course, but at least a Grade 6 in a GCSE humanities subject (e.g. English or History) is essential. Students should have an interest in reading literature and learning about the society of the ancient Greeks and Romans, through their poems, plays and art. Students should have good analytical powers and be able to write well-argued essays.

Course Content

Module 1

The World of the Hero Students read Homer’s Odyssey (or Iliad) and Virgil’s Aeneid in translation, looking at moral and social values, the role of women in society, the heroic world of men and monsters, the power of the gods and literary techniques in Greek and Roman epic. Students will be asked to respond to the text via comprehension style questions. The epic poems were considered by the Greeks and Romans to be foundations for their culture and we look at the lasting legacy of these works.

Module 2

Culture and the Arts Students study aspects of visual and material culture combined with the study of literature in translation. A popular topic is the Greek theatre. Tragedies and comedies are read looking at topics such as the role of women in society, the influence of the gods and attitudes in contemporary society. Dramatic techniques and conventions form an important part of this module along with plot structure and the use of actors. The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world.

Module 3

Beliefs and Ideas This component focuses on the study of an area of Classical thought in combination with either the study of literature in translation or visual/material culture. Areas of study could include Greek Religion, Love and Relationships, Democracy and the Athenians. Students study aspects of classical thought from ideas about politics and correct governance, to what is right and wrong when it comes to love and desire, to the nature of the gods and their relationship with mankind.

Classical Civilisation at Berkhamsted

Educational visits to conferences in London on modules are undertaken during both Year 12 and Year 13, and students visit the British Museum to complement their studies. Theatre excursions are arranged to see Greek tragedies wherever possible. The department also organises a visit to Greece every two years, which is a useful but not compulsory part of the course, and very popular with students. The cost of trips varies from year to year, but we pursue value for money.

Student Comments

The Greece trip really helped me to place all the temples and buildings we had studied in context. It was fascinating to see the real thing!

Future Prospects

The skills that are developed in Classical Civilisation A Level are applicable to many other academic subjects. The subject demands analytical skills, breadth of view, sympathy for other cultures and the capacity to construct rigorous arguments from evidence. The ability to take a step back from the modern world and see how things could be otherwise makes students imaginative and inventive problem-solvers. The study of Classics does not commit you to one career, but typical careers taken up by those with a Classical degree include: advertising, finance, journalism, law, marketing, politics, publishing, TV and radio.