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Why Study Classical Civilisation?
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Classical Civilisation must be the only A Level subject that allows you, in all seriousness, to wax lyrical about statues of naked men and X-rated scenes on Greek vases. If that isn’t enough, the Tragedy module gives plenty of scope for discussing the more extreme aspects of human nature, but it probably isn’t for the fainthearted. Classical Civilisation complements Arts subjects but is also a thrilling fourth AS subject for scientists.
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Will I enjoy it?
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If you enjoy discussion and have an interest in other cultures, you will get a lot out of Classical Civilisation. If you appreciate Literature and Art, the course would be ideal for you. The questions we discuss in lessons are fundamental ones - what is heroism? What rôle does fate play in the lives of men? What makes some people bring terrible tragedy upon themselves? The great majority of AS students continue onto A2, so they must enjoy something about it.
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Course Content
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AS: The set text for the Greek Epic paper is Homer’s “Odyssey”, about the return of Odysseus to Ithaca after wrestling assorted monsters and seductresses. For Greek Tragedy, you study three plays by Euripides - “Medea” (Honey, I killed the kids), “Bacchae” (Oh, I do like to dance upon a hillside…wearing only animal skins) and “Hippolytus” (No sex please, I’m prudish). For Art and Architecture, you look at Greek vases depicting daily life and myth, and temple sanctuaries (Delphi in particular).
A2: The Epic and Tragedy papers are synoptic (ie you need to know the AS and A2 material). For Epic you add in Virgil’s “Aeneid”, and for Tragedy two plays by Sophocles and one by Aeschylus. For Art and Architecture, you fall in love with male nudes, both freestanding and architectural, looking mainly at the Parthenon and Olympia.
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Assessment
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AS: 3 x 1hour 30 minute papers: they all involve answering a context question and writing an essay.
A2: 3 x 1hour 30 minute papers: the Tragedy and Epic papers require you to compare and contrast AS and A2 texts.
Coursework Requirements: None. See www.ocr.org and follow the links for AS/A2 Classics and then Classical
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Tell me more…
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• In the past, girls have had the chance to attend a lecture day and theatre trips organised by the Department.
• You read the texts in translation (just thought we’d make that quite clear).
• Classical Civilisation is a well-regarded subject that teaches you lots of different skills: you use primary and secondary evidence to construct arguments, you learn to write essays properly, you have plenty of opportunity to give presentations and participate in debates, and you combine detailed analysis of the texts with an overarching understanding of them as a whole.
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