CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

This course will particularly suit those interested in literature and history, as well as drama, politics and philosophy. No previous knowledge of the ancient world or the classical languages is required. A significant number of pupils choose to continue their studies of the ancient world with degree courses in Classics, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and Archaeology.

Clare Westran Head of Classics

The Classical Civilisation course allows pupils to study some of the key moments and ideas in western history and literature. At the heart of the linear course is a compulsory paper covering the epics of Homer and Virgil. In addition, pupils will study the origins of Greek theatre, including both a close reading of works by Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes and an examination of the context in which the plays were performed. The third paper will allow pupils to explore ancient Greek beliefs and ideas about gods and religion, through a range of literary and archaeological sources. There is a commitment to essay writing, but knowledge and understanding of the historical sources and literary texts is also explored through class discussion and context questions. There is no coursework.

• Paper 1: The world of the hero

Pupils will study either the Iliad or the Odyssey, and Virgil’s Aeneid in translation. As well as considering the texts, pupils will learn about the social, cultural and religious context.

• Paper 2: Culture and the arts

Pupils will study Greek theatre, including a close reading of two tragedies (Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Euripides’ Bacchae) and one comedy (Aristophanes’ Frogs) in translation.

• Paper 3: Beliefs and ideas

Pupils will study Greek religion, examining a range of sources in order to explore what the ancient Greeks believed and thought about their gods and how to worship them.

This course will particularly suit those interested in literature and history, as well as drama, politics and philosophy.