NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies (90512) 2011 — page 1 of 4

Assessment Schedule

Classical Studies: Explain a work or works of classical art (90512)

Candidates choose TWO questions from ONE topic.

A holistic judgement on the level of achievement attained will be made over the two questions answered.

Judgement Statement

Achievement

/

Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

A / M / E

Generic schedule

Achievement

/

Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

The candidate explains the work or works of art by identifying, describing, clarifying, explaining and/or interpreting features.
The candidate provides a general explanation of artistic features. Knowledge and interpretation are at a basic level, and specific detail may be lacking. One or more aspects of the question are underdeveloped or omitted. / The candidate analyses the works of art by discussing methodically and demonstrating understanding of artistic features.
The candidate incorporates an analytical element in the answer based on sound knowledge of the art works. Most aspects of the question are covered, but treatment may be unbalanced. Relevant supporting evidence is present, but may not be consistently provided. / The candidate analyses the work or works of art in detail by discussing methodically and demonstrating an informed understanding of artistic features.
The candidate’s answers are focussed and analytical. They are based on a thorough knowledge of the art works themselves, as well as the historical and artistic context in which they were produced. All aspects of the question are answered and most in depth. Supporting evidence is relevant, accurate and consistently provided.

Evidence Statement

TOPIC A: GREEK VASE PAINTING

Question One

Achievement

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Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

Analyse in detail and with supporting evidencethe mythological subject matter of the friezes shown in Reproduction A(i) and the thematic links between these friezes
Subject matter
The candidate must:
  • demonstrate some knowledge of the story as it relates to some of the friezes
  • identify some figures correctly.
eg The top frieze shows the Calydonian Boar hunt where heroes such as Peleus attempted to kill the huge boar.
Thematic links
The candidate may refer to thematic connection but this is not essential
eg The friezes are linked together by the Trojan War theme OR by the hero Achilles OR Peleus. / Subject matter
The candidate must:
  • demonstrate a greater degree of knowledge and understanding of the story, as it relates to some of the friezes
  • identify more figures correctly.
The description of each myth may be unbalanced
eg The top frieze depicts the Calydonian Boar hunt. Artemis sent the huge boar to destroy Meleager’s kingdom. As a result, King Meleager invited heroes such as Peleus and Atalanta to help him kill the huge boar.
Thematic links
The candidate must discuss thematic links:
  • analytically
  • in some detail
  • with reference to friezes
eg Much of the decoration of the François vase was inspired by myths relating to the hero Achilles. For example, even though Achilles is not depicted on the second frieze he is actually connected to the story as he was Patroclus’ best friend and therefore organised the funeral games in his honour. Similarly, Achilles is not depicted on the third frieze but as the son of Peleus and Thetis, he is linked to this story. / Subject matter
The candidate must:
  • show depth of knowledge and clear understanding of key events relating to the story of most of the friezes
  • identify figures correctly.
The description of each myth must be at Excellence level.
eg The top frieze depicts the story of the Calydonian boar hunt. Here, the goddess Artemis, offended by King Meleager’s failure to make a sacrifice to her, sent a huge boar to destroy his kingdom. As a result, King Meleager invited heroes like Peleus and Atalanta to help him fight the boar. Both Peleus and Atalanta are shown fighting the boar from the front.
Thematic links
As for Merit,plus the candidate must discuss thematic links in detail.
eg Much of the decoration of the François vase was inspired by myths relating to Achilles, a hero of the Trojan war. For example, one might say that Achilles’ story begins on the third frieze, which shows the marriage of the hero Peleus to the goddess Thetis. Achilles is not depicted in this frieze but he was born from this union and went on to become the greatest hero of the Trojan War.
During the Trojan War, it was Achilles who organised the funeral games depicted in the second frieze, in order to honour his best friend Patroclus.
etc.
Analyse in detail and with supporting evidence the narrative techniques used by the artist in the friezes shown in Reproduction A(ii).
The candidate must:
  • show understanding of the term “narrative techniques”
  • give one or more correct answers
  • provide some evidence.
eg The painter inscribes the name of the figures, for example, the hero Peleus is easily identified as his name is inscribed beside him. / The candidate must:
  • discuss narrative techniques analytically
  • demonstrate a greater degree of knowledge and understanding of the term “narrative techniques” and discuss them in some detail
  • provide more evidence.
eg This is a myth about heroes and a beast and so the painter is keen to identify the heroes involved in the killing of the boar; for example, Peleus and Atalanta are both identified by name.
The painter painted Peleus and Meleager in front of the Calydonian boar, thrusting their spears into his snout; this highlights the courage of the two heroes. / As for Merit plusthe candidate must show depth of knowledge and understanding and discuss in greater detail, providing more evidence.
eg The painter shows the boar’s eventual defeat by incising arrows all over his body, and some might say that his bent back legs show that he is about to fall back.

TOPIC A: GREEK VASE PAINTING

Question Two

Achievement

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Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

Analyse in detail and with supporting evidencethe ways in which Euphronios experiments with the body in motion in Reproduction B(i), and in particular his experimentation with awkward poses.
The candidate must give:
  • a basic response to the question on the body in motion
  • a basic response to awkward poses
  • at least one example overall.
eg Herakles and Antaios are fighting so their bodies are frozen in motion. AND Antaios’ body is painted in an awkward way, for example his head is twisted back. / The candidate must:
  • discuss both parts of the question in some detail and with some analysis
  • provide very good evidence
eg Heracles and Antaios are fighting, therefore their bodies are depicted frozen in a moment of extreme action. The upper bodies of the two men are lifted off the ground as they fight each other and this suggests that their bodies are moving.
AND the pose of both men is rather awkward, especially that of Antaios; his body is twisted in a three-quarter pose and his head is twisted in an awkward way over Heracles’ shoulder. / As for Merit plusThe candidate must:
  • discuss both parts of the question in detail and analytically
  • provide very good evidence.
eg Heracles is depicted in full profile in an unusual pose that suggests movement: he is down on one knee with his other leg stretched out behind him for leverage.
ANDAntaios also has one leg twisted behind his thigh, so that a small part of his foot appears awkwardly from behind his buttocks.
Analyse in detail and with supporting evidence the ways in which Euphronios uses the facial features and hair of the two fighters to convey different messages about each figure.
The candidate must:
  • give a brief description of facial features or hair
  • write about both Herakles and Antaios so that a brief comparison is made
  • make a brief statement about messages.
eg The hair of Heracles is well-groomed while Antaios’ hair looks wild; this suggests that Heracles is civilised whereas Antaios is a barbarian. / The candidate must discuss:
  • both the facial features and hair of Herakles and Antaios in some detail and with some analysis.
  • messages in some detail and with some analysis.
eg The hair of Heracles is well-groomed and neatly curled while Antaios’ hair is wild and shaggy. As a result Heracles is portrayed as the civilised and cultured Greek hero whereas Antaios is portrayed as the barbaric foreigner. / The candidate must discuss both the facial features and hair of Heracles and Antaios in detail and analytically, and provide very good examples.
eg Heracles’ hair is well-groomed and neatly curled. His beard is neatly clipped and his eyebrow is thin and beautifully shaped. By contrast, Antaios’ unkempt hair and beard look wild and shaggy. His eyebrow is thick and bushy and his mouth is open in a grimace that suggests he is in pain. This depiction is typical of the way Greeks and xenoi were portrayed in Greek vases etc.

TOPIC A: GREEK VASE PAINTING

Question Three

Achievement

/

Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

Analyse in detail and with supporting evidencethe mythological subject matter of the upper frieze shown in Reproductions C(i) and C(ii) including the setting of this episode.
The candidate:
  • must briefly and correctly explain what is happening in the upper frieze
  • must name some figures
  • may not respond to the question referring to setting.
eg Castor and Pollux are about to kidnap two girls who are playing happily with their friends. They have their chariots nearby to help them escape quickly. / The candidate:
  • must explain correctly, analytically and in some detail what is happening in the story, giving some correct names
  • may not respond to the question referring to setting.
eg Castor and Pollux,the sons of Zeus, are abducting the daughters of Leukippos, Eriphyle and Helera, who are playing happily with their friends while Aphrodite and Zeus watch unperturbed. The young men have their chariots nearby to help them escape quickly. Castor is still carrying Eriphyle to his chariot while Pollux is already driving away with Helera beside him. / The candidate must:
  • explain correctly, analytically and in detail what is happening in the story, giving the correct names of the key figures.
  • respond correctly to the question about setting
eg Castor and Pollux,the sons of Zeus,are abducting the daughters of Leukippos, Eriphyle and Helera who are picking flowers with their friends from the sanctuary of Aphrodite. Aphrodite sits by her altar in a rather relaxed pose while Zeus is watching from the side also unperturbed. The young men have their chariots nearby to help them escape quickly. Castor is still carrying Eriphyle to his chariot while Pollux is already driving away with Helera beside him.
Analyse in detail and with supporting evidence the ways in which the mood of this frieze is at odds with the subject matter.
The candidate must:
  • give a correct answer about mood and how it is at odds with the subject matter.
  • give examples.
OR
  • answer the question successfully giving one well-explained example as long as they have answered bullet point one really well.
eg The girls are kidnapped, but they don’t seem to be scared. For example, the girl carried away by Castor looks very calm instead of fighting off her abductor.
The elegant drapery of the different characters contrasts with the violence of the abduction, eg the girl who is running away, holds her flowing cloak in an elegant fashion. / The candidate must:
  • discuss analytically and in some detail how the mood is at odds with the subject matter
  • discuss examples in some detail and analytically.
egThis is a story of abduction and yet noone shows fear. For example, as Castor carries away Eriphyle, the arms of both are extended out in a very elegant fashion and their faces appear very calm for example, their mouthsare closed. Eriphyle is not attempting to escape and there is no evidence of any violence. Similarly, Pollux and Helera are already fleeing in his chariot yet she remains calm holding the tip of her cloak elegantly. / The candidate must:
  • discuss analytically and in detail how the mood is at odds with the subject matter
  • discuss examples in detail and analytically.
egThis is a story of abduction and yet there is no violence and noone shows fear; both the abductors and the girls appear to be very calm and relaxed. Two of the girls are carried away by force and yet they do not seem to be frightened and are not shown fighting off their abductors.
The poses of the girls and the abductors are relaxed and far from violent. Castor carries away Eriphyle as if he is leading her to the dance floor, the arms of both are extended out in a very elegant fashion.The position of Eriphyle’s legs also reflects elegance, there is no hint of violence – she is not taken away kicking and fighting.
The gestures of the girls are also elegant and show no fear, eg Eriphyle stylishly lifts up a part of her flowing chiton with extended fingers.
Also, the Gods, who witness this violent scene, are not at all perturbed. Zeus on the left is depicted in a calm, detached pose, while Aphrodite in the centre of the scene appears unmoved and is elegantly poised.

TOPIC B: ART OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Question One

Achievement

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Achievement with Merit

/

Achievement with Excellence

Analyse in detail and with supporting evidence the ways in which the design of the Theatre at Lepcis Magna incorporates features of Greek origin and Roman innovation.
The candidate:
  • must explain how a Greek feature is incorporated in the design
  • must give a feature of Roman innovation
  • is not expected to use Latin words.
eg In the Roman theatre the orchestra is semicircular rather than circular as in the Greek theatre.
The seating area of the theatre at Lepcis Magna has wedge-shaped tiers of seating and is divided up horizontally by corridors just like Greek theatres. / The candidate must discuss features in some detail and with some analysis
At least one of these features must be Greek or Roman
Latin words are desirable but not essential
egRoman architects adapted the Greekorchestra so that in the theatre of Lepcis Magna it is no longer a full circle but a semicircle. They also added five shallow steps on the orchestra so they could place seats for VIPs during a performance; this gave them anexcellent view of the stage.
The simple backdrop of the Greek theatre is replaced in the theatre of Lepcis Magnaby an elaborate backdrop which is the same height as the top of the cavea.
Greek feature:The seating area of the theatre at Lepcis Magna is just like the seating area in a Greek theatre; it has wedge-shaped tiers of seating and is divided up horizontally by corridors. / The candidate must discuss several features in detail and with a greater degree of analysis
At least one of these features must be Greek or Roman
Latin words are desirable but not essential
egRoman architects adapted the Greekorchestra so that in the theatre of Lepcis Magna it is no longer a full circle but a semicircle. Also, Roman social customs dictated that audiences should be seated according to their social status. Because of this, Roman innovators added five shallow steps to be used for seating for important people like Roman senators; this gave them an excellent view of the scanae. Also, they built a low wall on the outer circumference of the orchestra to separate it from the cavea where the common people were seated.
The simple stage of the Greek theatre was replaced by an elaborate scaenae frons, which was three storeys high. The columns of the scaenae frons were the same height as the top of the cavea; this provided a more enclosed and intimate atmosphere.
Greek feature:The seating area of the theatre at Lepcis Magna is like the seating area in a Greek theatre; it has wedge-shaped tiers of seating and is divided up horizontally by corridors called ambulatories that make it easier for the audience to access their seats.
Analyse in detail and with supporting evidence the ways in which the design and architectural features of this building reflect its function as an entertainment venue.
The candidate must give a design and / or architectural feature that reflects function.
eg The seating area is sloping and this enables everyone in the audience to have a clear view. / The candidate:
  • must discuss features that reflect function, in some detail and with some analysis
  • must focus on design and architectural features (for example the velarium is not).
egThe seating area is partly built on a man-made structure so it rises up; this enabled the audience to have a clear view of the orchestra and the stage no matter where they were sitting. / The candidate:
  • must discuss in detail and analyse a number of features that reflect function
  • must focus on design and architectural features.
egThe Romans took care to ensure that the audience had the best view no matter where they were sitting. For example, even though the theatre of Lepcis Magna is built on a flat area, they raised the cavea by building the first level on a hillside, the second level on re-filled land and the third level on a vaulted, man-made structure. This enabled the audience to have an excellent and clear view of the orchestra and the pulpitum, etc.

TOPIC B: ART OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE