Classical Civilisation - AS and A2 Level

Course Description

AS Level, introduces students to the world of ancient Greece through the study of epic poetry, great comic drama and the nature of Athenian society. The complete course encourages students to enjoy enduring works of literature, gain a thorough knowledge of this seminal region and period (500-300 BC), and develop a growing understanding of the spiritual, moral and cultural values which helped to shape the modern world.

A2 Level continues and develops the themes of life, thought and literature in ancient Greece. Students study the work of two great Athenian playwrights, Sophocles and Euripicles, tracing how their work impacted on the community, and was itself influenced by social and political developments. The final module, Socrates and Athens, links in well with the work done on Aristophanes in the previous year, and develops the student's understanding of Greek politics, literature and philosophy.

Benefits

• An understanding of how poetic, artistic and dramatic forms developed in the ‘hothouse’ of ancient Greece.
  

• Any student who is considering a career in the arts, theatre, museums, journalism, or
  media in general will find this an invaluable foundation.
  

• Deeper appreciation and understanding of some of the greatest literature in antiquity,
  and its influence on future generations, right up to the present day.

“The packs are well laid out and the assignments at the end of each unit allow the students to practice the essential exam techniques.”

Frances Gill, Blenheim High School

The AS Level modules comprise:

- Homer’s Odyssey
- Aristophanes and Athens.
(The AS may be awarded as a discrete
qualification or count as 50% of the A2).

The A2 Level modules comprise:

- Socrates and Athens
- Greek Tragedy
- Antigone and Oedipus by Sophocles, (Meda and Hippolytus by Euripides)