Level 2 Classical Studies
12CLA Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Dr M. Davison.
Recommended Prior LearningThere are a number of attributes that will help you be successful. First, being curious about ancient Greece and Rome. Second, being able to make connections to the distant past, especially how it continues to influence our present-day culture. Third, showing that you can grasp the different components of classical studies: from archaeology and art to history, literature and mythology. Lastly, rather like a detective, to be able to find and make sense of evidence. Each of these attributes is enhanced if you are a keen reader and writer.
In Classical Studies you will unlock the timeless lessons of the distant past, helping you to go out into the world and make meaning from what you see. You can think of Classical Studies as providing you with four keys. First, the key to exploring materials and buildings deep in the ground and what they can tell us about life over 2000 years ago, specifically by focusing on Pompeii. Second, the key to exploring key themes such as slavery and the role of women that are vital to understanding what it was like to live in ancient Rome. Third, the key to doing your own investigations by learning how to make sense of Roman art and architecture. And, the last key to critically engage with the lives of historical and mythological characters so that you are enriched as a reader, writer and citizen.
Course Overview
Term 1
Unit 1: Why is Pompeii popularly seen as the most important archaeological site in the world? This unit focuses on the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 CE and the preservation of Pompeii underneath its ash and debris. You will be using evidence from Pompeii, everything from bakeries to bath-houses, to find out about Roman society. The unit places importance on primary sources and being able to write perceptively about the significance of Pompeii.
Term 2
Unit 2: Why is Greek mythology and especially the myth of Heracles (Hercules) so enduring? This unit examines Greek mythology and its influence today. The unit draws on primary sources, especially the portrayal of Heracles on Greek vases and the texts of Hesiod and Apollodorus. It also carefully analyses the 1990s Walt Disney film ‘Hercules’. These primary sources are used to help us understand the changing meaning and influence of mythology across time
Term 3
Unit 3: Why was there slavery in Roman times and why is the slave-leader Spartacus still remembered to this day? And what were the lives of Roman women actually like? This unit explores the lives of slaves and of the Roman family, looking in detail at the Spartacus slave revolt and the lives of women. Emphasis is placed on being able to write insightfully about slavery and Roman families. Time will be spent practising how to do this; especially how to support our writing with evidence.
Term 4
Unit 4: What makes Roman art and architecture in Pompeii so significant? This unit explores Roman art and architecture. It involves the use of primary source evidence and the skill of placing the works of art in their artistic and historical times. The art you will study comes from Pompeii and consists of two types: mosaics and wall-paintings, also called frescos. The architecture is also from Pompeii and includes bath houses, an amphitheatre and a Roman villa. Students have studied Pompeii in unit 1 so they will have a good understanding of the historical times. A further aim of this unit is to simply enjoy art and architecture and also to develop a method of ‘looking at art’.
Assessment Information
These assessments each require well developed essay writing skills, including the skill of putting forward ideas and arguments supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources.