Classical Civilisation
What is 'Class. Civ.?' – a combined study of the world’s greatest literature, art and architecture:
TRAGEDY – incest, patricide, adultery and blood-guilt; see how the ancient theatre dramatises the dark impulses and moral dilemmas which lurk behind the veneer of civilisation and learn why today’s directors and actors return constantly to the Greek classics to shed new light on modern atrocities.
EPIC – a chance to enjoy the unique contribution to world literature of Homer and Virgil, both in translation. The gripping storylines allude to history, geography, archaeology, mythology, moral and social values and are the cornerstones of western literature, from Dante to Milton. Discover how the film 'Troy' gets it wrong!
ART – study the development from early Egyptian-inspired sculpture, from rigid, static impressions through to realistic depiction of the human body – figures that seem captured in movement and convey narrative and pathos in marble and bronze of unsurpassed quality. Learn too, about pottery production, painting techniques, style and subject matter.
ARCHITECTURE – visitors to Greece today still marvel at the shimmering magnificence of the Parthenon, with the subtlety of its mathematical proportions and unique optical refinements. Learn how the Parthenon friezes use mythological themes as ideological propaganda, celebrating the victory of the Greek civilisation over Persian barbarism.
Why study Class. Civ?
To understand ourselves and the cultural development of western civilisation. Marx, Freud, Nietzsche, Foucault - the most radical cultural thinkers have all been fascinated and provoked by their study of ancient societies, their myths and taboos.
Class. Civ. will provoke you into discussion and personal reaction, and stimulate and stretch your writing skills. Your imagination and powers of interpretation will be stirred.
It will prepare you for the manifold influences on the succeeding centuries and cultures across Europe and beyond and will immeasurably enrich your study and enjoyment of other humanities subjects and languages.
It will provide an enjoyable and challenging AS/A2 Level which will combine well with many other subjects and help you achieve a stepping stone to your future career. Many universities offer degree courses in classical civilisation or related subjects such as history, archaeology, egyptology. The course is also well-respected as a qualification for entry to a wide range of other subject areas.
We use and enjoy videos, slides, DVDs, CD-ROMs and the internet. There will be opportunities to go to theatre productions, hear lectures from expert speakers in London and visit the British Museum and the Ashmolean (Oxford). Each year we organise a school trip to destinations of classical and other interest such as Greece, Italy, Egypt and Tunisia.
Classical civilisation blends well in content and skills with other subject choices at AS and A2 level. The course lends itself equally to those who have no previous experience of any classical study and to those who have some knowledge. A2 involves more of the same with the option of an independent study on a related theme of your own choice.
The AS and A2 courses are assessed by examinations in June of each year. There are two papers covering three subjects: art/architecture, tragedy and epic.
For details of the classical civilisation A Level curriculum please visit www.ocr.org.uk