A Level Classical Civilisation

Develop an independent critical approach to literature, history and politics.

This course is open to all students, no matter your GCSE subjects. All texts are studied in translation, so no knowledge of any language other than English is needed. We do not expect any prior knowledge: more than half the students in your class will never have studied any classical subject and the subject will be very different anything you have done before.

About the Course

Classical Civilisations involves in-depth study of the classical Greek and Roman worlds which have strongly influenced western literature, theatre, art and philosophy. You will develop an independent, critical approach to literature, history and politics and form strong analytical skills. Many students find it a valuable support for other arts subjects, while for others it is a pleasing contrast to the sciences. You will study both Literature and Ancient history, both Greek and Roman; you will read texts well over 2000 years old, looking at battles for power in the classical world and getting inside the minds of extraordinary individuals. The options we have chosen provide great variety and will help you develop a broad range of skills. There is also the opportunity to take an informal Greek class at lunchtime and to take part in the student-led Classics society, which offers opportunities to hear outside speakers, presentations, debates and discussions.

Opportunities unique to this course

We regularly host guest speakers and leading academics in their fields of expertise. Students have the chance to attend lectures, events and theatre performances, especially those closely related to our areas of study. Our thriving student-led Classics society hosts regular lectures and debates.

The World of the Hero

You will study Homer's Iliad or Odyssey (only one epic will be studied) as well as Virgil's Aeneid. You will develop an increasingly sophisticated level of knowledge and understanding of the epics themselves, the way in which they were composed, and religious, cultural and social values and beliefs of its society. 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. Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world and created a work which has proven enduringly popular.

Greek Theatre

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. In this module, you will study not only the texts of Aristophanes' Frogs and Sophocles, Oedipus the King and Euripides, and Bacchae, but also their social, political and religious context. You will also study the representation of theatre in the visual and material culture of Greece.

Politics of the Late Republic

The Late Roman Republic was a period of upheaval and conflicting views on how the Roman state should function. In this component, you will study the political thought of the period of conflicts which eventually led to the downfall of the Roman republic. Through examining Cato, Caesar and Cicero you will explore the very different lives of three contemporary political figures.

Consists of three written papers:

Paper 1: The world of the hero (2hr 20mins, 40%)

Paper 2: Culture and the arts (1hr 45mins, 30%)

Paper 3: Beliefs and ideas (1hr 45mins, 30%)

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

Classical Civilisation is highly regarded by both universities and employers. History (both modern and ancient), politics, literature, law, finance are just some of the courses this unique subject could lead you to.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/classical-civilisation