Classical Civilisation

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE JUDD SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications open: - awaiting information from school

Applications close: - awaiting information from school

Entry Requirements: - 6.5 average point score, minimum of 4 in English Language and Maths GCSE. Entry grade criteria for A Level subjects chosen.

How to Apply: - We are not taking applications via KentChoices

Open Event: - To be confirmed, please check our school website for updates

You do not have to have studied Latin or Classical Civilisation at GCSE Level to study Classical Civilisation at A Level.

Classical Civilisation involves the study of some of the greatest works of literature ever written, works which have had a profound effect on the western world. The study of Classical Civilisation will suit anyone who is interested in the Classical World. It does not matter if you have studied any Latin before; there is no language element.

Classical Civilisation is a fascinating and wide ranging subject as it involves literature, drama, history, politics, philosophy and religion: candidates in previous years have enjoyed sharing their thoughts on some or all of these areas.

The subject is highly regarded in its own right but it may also appeal to anyone studying English, History or RS, and to anyone interested in other branches of Classics, such as Archaeology, Latin or Greek. It can also work well as a contrast to other subjects such as Sciences, to show a wide range of interests.

Why study it at The Judd School?

• You will be taught by specialist teachers with a wealth of experience.

• In the lessons, students are encouraged to participate in lively discussion, show curiosity and push themselves to the limit. Individual sessions are arranged to support candidates applying to University to read a Classics related degree: for example, the department offers twilight / lunchtime sessions so that candidates can sample Classical Greek.

• There is a popular Classical Civilisation Club – available to all year groups in which 6th form students are invited to take a leading role.

• Trips are organised to watch productions of Greek plays and we are hoping to organise a trip to Greece in the near future.

• The department has a record of achieving strong results.

Course Details

The specification in use is OCR Classical Civilisation H408. Candidates are required to take 3 Units.

The units are as follows:

Unit 1: THE WORLD OF THE HERO (40% of the overall mark. Exam length: 2hrs 20 mins)

This is a compulsory unit consisting of an in-depth study of:

• one of Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey

• and Virgil’s Aeneid

This unit is solely focused on the study of literature in translation.

The poems of Homer were considered by the Greeks themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture, standing as they do at the beginning of the Western literary canon. This component provides learners with the opportunity to appreciate the lasting legacy of the Homeric world and to explore its attitudes and values. The epics of Homer, with their heroes, gods and exciting narratives, have been in continuous study since their conception, and remain popular with learners and teachers today. This component also provides learners with the opportunity to appreciate Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone and landmark in Western literature. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as from his own cultural and political context, Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world and created a work which has proven enduringly popular.

Unit 2: (30% of the overall mark. Exam length: 1hr 45 mins)

One of the following units must be studied:

• Greek Theatre

• Imperial Image

• invention of the Barbarian

• Greek Art

It is most likely that the chosen module will be – Greek Theatre.

Units in this group involve the study of visual and material culture combined with the study of literature in translation.

The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world, and has had a profound and wide reaching influence on modern culture. To fully understand this cultural phenomenon requires study of not only the plays but the context in which their form and production developed. To develop this understanding this component involves the study of the physical theatre space used by the Greeks to stage their dramas, and also depictions of this staging in the visual/material record. This study of the production of Greek drama is coupled with an in–depth study of three plays, all of which have proven to be enduring favourites. The themes and concepts explored by these plays are of significant relevance and interest as much to the modern audience as they were to that of the original performance. The plays and material culture included in the specification provide learners with a range of interesting sources which will allow them to explore, evaluate and understand this aspect of ancient culture and its relevance to us in the modern world.

Unit 3: (30% of the overall mark. Exam length: 1hr 45 mins)

One of the following units must be studied:

• Greek Religion

• Love and Relationships

• Politics of the Late Republic

• Democracy and the Athenians

It is most likely that the chosen module will be – Democracy and the Athenians.

Units in this group involve an area of classical thought, in combination with either the study of literature in translation or visual / material culture.

The aim of this component is to examine the concept of Democracy; what this meant to the Athenians, and its positive and negative aspects. Learners will study the reforms of two key thinkers in depth, Solon and Cleisthenes, and assess the extent to which they laid the foundations for the democracy of the 5th century BC. Learners will look at how democracy permeated Athenian identity, how it was celebrated and idealised, but also how it was criticised. The concepts of ‘popular’ leaders who mislead the people, or give them what they want rather than what they need, and a voting public who may not be fully informed on the issues, may resonate with today’s learners and make this study of one of the West’s foundational political ideas engaging and relevant. Finally, learners will study extracts from the comedies of Aristophanes, whose biting wit and political satire can still capture a modern audience as well as it did an ancient one.

7 in a relevant GCSE subject (English Literature, History, RS)