Lower 6th Form Curriculum

Classical Civilisation

Syllabus Followed: OCR JACT
Entry Requirements: Grade C in English Language or English Literature

What is Classical Civilisation?

Classical Civilisation will appeal to anyone who is interested in literature, history and art. The syllabus allows a choice of the study of several topics from the classical world of the Greeks and Romans; at present the following three topics are studied:

1. History: the great epics of Homer and Virgil, studied in translation, about the wanderings of Odysseus and the foundation of the Roman race in Italy.
2. Literature: a selection of some of the finest tragic plays ever written by Sophocles, Aeschylus and the most modern of the great tragedians, Euripides.
3. Art: the study of Greek art and architecture, including sculpture, vase painting and the major buildings of classical Greece.

What previous knowledge or study is required?

No previous knowledge of Latin, Greek or Ancient History is required, and all topics are studied in English. However, you really do need to have a genuine interest in classical literature, history and art. If you do not, then this may not be an appropriate course for you.

Course and Examination structure

The three topic areas described above are all included in the first year of the course, leading to AS Level at the end of the Lower Sixth year. However, on the Epic topic, only Homer’s Odyssey is studied in the first year and Virgil’s Aeneid is left to the second year (A2). The texts are not studied in isolation, but rather in the context of the social, political and historical settings of the time. Individual responses and ideas are as important as the assimilation of knowledge.

The examination consists of passages for comprehension and comment, as well as essay type questions. In the art and architecture topic visual questions may be set.

What AS subjects can I combine with Classical Civilisation?

Classical Civilisation combines well with any choice of AS courses, and is recognised by all British universities. It can be combined with other arts subjects, or can be taken as a contrasting subject to mathematics and/or the sciences.

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