OCR: 1940
This course is concerned with the society, culture and literature of Ancient Greece and Rome. Five topics are chosen for study in depth and examination at the end of the Fifth Form, although one topic may be examined by coursework. At least two of these topics must concern aspects of Greek or Roman civilisation, and at least two must deal with classical literature in translation. The list of available topics is very long, but a typical choice of Greek subjects is: Homer’s Odyssey; Greek Athletic and Dramatic Festivals; Sophocles’ Antigone and Oedipus the King; Roman Sport and Leisure; Virgil’s Aeneid. No prior knowledge of Classical Greek, Latin or Classical Civilisation is required to take this course.
J P Freeman
Specialists - AQA A level
Pupils will read and respond to selected works of classical literature in English translation, and may also study and respond to images of Classical architecture and sculpture. Pupils who wish to study this subject as a Specialist should have a good grade in English or English Literature at GCSE. However, the course demands no previous study of the ancient world nor of Classical languages. To make the most of this course, pupils should enjoy reading, and be prepared to share their reactions to their reading with their fellow pupils and to write essays in a formal, structured fashion.
Four units will be studied, all of which will be examined at the end of the second year. Two units will be studied in the first year, and two in the second.
These units will consist of the following:
a) Homer, Odyssey: selected books of the Odyssey and the religious, cultural and social values implicit in the text.
b) Greek Tragedy: four Greek tragedies (two by Sophocles, two by Euripides) in their religious cultural and social context.
c) Either: Aristophanes and Athens: three plays by the comic poet Aristophanes in their theatrical, religious, social and political context.
Or: Greek Architecture and Sculpture: significant aspects of the development
of Greek public buildings in the sixth, fifth and fourth centuries BC and the
development of free-standing and architectural sculpture in the same period.
d) Roman Epic: selected books of Virgil’s Aeneid in its religious, political, cultural and social context.
Each unit will be examined in a written paper of one hour and thirty minutes’ duration. Each paper will carry 25% of the marks awarded for the whole examination, and will consist of one structured, source-based question and one essay.
The study of Classical Civilisation is commonly combined with other Arts and Humanities courses such as English and History. There are, however, no required or precluded combinations, although it is not usually studied in combination with Classical Greek or Latin.
An A level in Classical Civilisation gives excellent preparation for many courses at university. Apart from students of Classics and Archaeology, students of English and historians will also find an A level in Classical Civilisation a great support for their studies. Students of Classics enjoy success in a huge variety of careers from journalism to accountancy, and from management to publishing.
J.P. Freeman