A LEVEL CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

WHAT IS CLASSICAL CIVILISATION?

Classical Civilisation is an unusual subject, a combination of Ancient History and English Literature. It’s similar to a detective story as you have to use a vast variety of evidence to piece together and understand the past.

In Classic Civilisation, you study the Greek and Roman world through epic poems such as Homer’s Odyssey and through the archaeology of the period from buildings and mosaics to artefacts and jewellery. So if you want to understand why the Romans slaughtered the English Druids in 60AD or how ancient stories affect modern story-telling, this could be the course for you.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION?
  • It is an interesting and unusual subject
  • You will develop your critical and evaluative skills by analysing evidence of different kinds from the materials studied
  • You will increase your awareness of the relationship between the Classical world and later periods, and thus gain sensitivity to past societies, which contrast with those of the modern western world
  • This course fits well with many A levels, such asHistory, Philosophy & Ethics, Government & Politics and English Literature, to name a few.
  • The skills gained lead to a wide range of careers
USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
  • No previous knowledge is required
  • Enthusiasm
  • A love of reading is essential
  • An interest in other cultures, Archaeology, Ancient History and Literature
COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

The current 1st year course is made up of two modules which cover the following topics:

  • Homer’s Odyssey and Society

This modulefocuses on Homer’s Odyssey, a 3000 year old epic poem. Our study will include the nature of the hero, the role of the gods, and the part played by women in the story. We also study how and why the poem was created and its relation to the wider history and archaeology.

  • City Life in Roman Italy

In this module we look closely at the towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia. We study many aspects of Roman life from Roman religious practices, to the life and death of gladiators. We will also look at what the archaeology and literature reveals about Roman history and society.

In the second year you continue your studies with a further two modules covering the following:

  • Roman Britain: Life in the Outpost of the Empire

In this module we will be looking at Romano-British society and history as depicted in the literary and archaeological record. We will focus on the Roman occupation in Britain and the ways in which the Britons’ lives were affected by the Romans.

  • Virgil and the World of the Hero

In this module you explore the relationship between Greek and Roman epic. You will study the Aeneid, both as a literary work and as a response by Virgil to political and social developments at that time. You will also study Homer’s Iliad and make comparisons on the composition and content of both epics.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course will be assessed at the end of the two years. It is expected that each module will have a written exam which will consist of passages for comment and essays.

COURSE COMMITMENT

We expect you to work outside of your timetabled lessons and advise an extra four hours of study a week at home plus two identified private studies periods within your college timetable. For the literacy modules you will read the books independently.

COURSE COSTS

There a variety of visits that you will be able to consider taking part in. There is an annual visit to Newcastle University for the sixth form Classics open day costing approximately £15, a visit to The British Museum costing approximately £130, we also visit Hadrian’s Wall costing about £20. These visits are all optional.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of five GCSE passes at a grade C or above and since Classical Civilisation is a literary subject these will need to include a grade C or above in English Language and any other literary based subject involving a significant amount of reading, i.e. English Literature or History. You do not need to have studied any Classical subject at GCSE to study A level Classical Civilisation.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Classical Civilisation teaches important skills, such as clear expression and analysing evidence. These skills are useful in a range of careers such as, police, law, politics, social work, teaching, publishing, banking and all kinds of business and management based careers. In the past students have gone to University to study Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and Archaeology. This subject will also help you to develop high level analysis skills which will be relevant on lots of other degree courses.

Some of the students who studied this course at Prior Pursglove College progressed on to:

  • Derby University – History
  • Swansea Met University - Classical Studies & Ancient History

STUDENT COMMENTS

What our Classics students say:

“Classics is a challenging and interesting, history and literary based course.” – Mary Joselin (ex – Laurence Jackson School)

“Classics is really interesting it took a little while to get into, but it is one of my favourite lessons now!! I love it.” – Eleanor Paylor (ex – Laurence Jackson School)

“I have really enjoyed learning about the cultures and mythology of Greek and Roman Society.” – Jessica Sewell (ex – Nunthorpe Academy)

“I enjoy Classical Civilisation as we get to learn about city life and the odyssey which is interesting. Its hard work but the lessons are enjoyable.” – Rosie Dean (ex – Kings Academy)

“The lessons require a lot of hard work and the right mind-set, but if you enjoy the topics on learning about Ancient Civilisations, it can be really fun for you.” – Erin Drury (ex – Kings Academy)

“I feel that learning about an ancient society can teach you so much about your own. It’s an intriguing subject to learn.” – Sophie Taylor (ex – Huntcliff School)

FURTHER INFORMATION

Full course specifications can be found at

If you require further information please contact the subject leader, Lindsay Jones.

Please note that the information in this leaflet is correct at the time of publication, but circumstances may arise which cause us to revise our provision.

July 2016