Classical Civilisation A Level

Are you fascinated by the ancient literary and cultural achievements of Greece and Rome? Have you wanted to study powerful Greek tragedies like 'Medea' and heroic epic poetry such as 'The Iliad', or the politically turbulent history of the rise of Julius Caesar and the death of the Roman Republic? These great works and topics are the foundation stones of modern culture. If this sounds intriguing, then this course is perfect for you as it will acquaint you with the cultural heritage of the classical world and give you invaluable skills that are highly regarded in the workplace and at university.

Year 1:

‘The World of the Hero’ – Homer’s Iliad: explore these epic poems, with their unique composition and exciting tales of gods and heroes. Homer’s tale of the Greek and Trojan heroes in the siege of Troy evokes the role of the Gods and their impact on the humans.

'Invention of the Barbarian' - In this unit, students will consider the concept of foreignness and the 'barbarian', through analysis of Ancient Greek Theatre and plays such as 'Medea' and 'The Persians'.

Year 2:

‘The World of the Hero’ – Virgil’s Aeneid: immerse yourself in the opportunity to examine the Roman answer to Homer’s masterpiece with Virgil’s cast of characters.

'Politics of the Late Republic' - The fall of the Roman Republic and its democracy was a cataclysmic event which shocked antiquity. As Julius Caesar rose to power, the desperate attempts of Republicans Cicero and Cato will be investigated through analysis of speeches and private correspondence, to provide insight into the chaotic doomsday of democracy, as Rome became an empire.

There are three exams at the end of the second year.

At least five GCSEs graded 9-5 including a 5 in English.

Classical Civilisations is a respected degree subject in higher education and can lead to a variety of careers, including archaeology, museum curator, journalism, and the Civil Service.