A-Levels - Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation is the study of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome primarily through their art and literature. During their studies students will soon discover that their art and literature is very much connected with their cultural identity – in other words, their art and literature was concerned with their gods and heroes, myths and legends, which was their history. Topics of study include: • Greek Epic - Homer’s Iliad, looking at the epic poem set at the time of the Trojan War, focussing on the character of Achilles and his relationship with other Greek and Trojan heroes.

• Greek Theatre – looking at three plays, two tragedies and one comedy, plus how they were staged and performed. • Roman Epic – looking at Virgil’s epic poem The Aeneid, using previous knowledge of Homer’s writings and exploring the historical setting of the Aeneid in Augustan Rome. • Greek Religion – A study of the Greek gods and the practice of Greek religion using literary, historical and visual sources.