Pakuranga College Pakuranga College

Level 3 Classical Studies

13CLA
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr M. Davison.

Recommended Prior Learning


Co-requisite English . There 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 people across time. Third, showing that you can grasp the different components of classical studies: from archaeology and art to history and philosophy. 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 how to live your best life by focusing on the philosophy of Socrates in ancient Athens. Second, the key to exploring how power has been used in the past, specifically by investigating how the Roman emperor Augustus came to power and then managed to persuade everyone that he should hold on to it. Third, the key to learning about how to appreciate artworks, by exploring and making sense of Roman art and architecture. And, the last key to critically engage with the lives of hugely influential historical characters so that you are enriched as a reader, writer and citizen.


Course Overview

Term 1
Unit 1: Ancient Athens: This unit looks at the golden age of Athens in the fifth century BCE and its achievements in terms of the arts, democracy and society. It explores inspiring leaders such as Pericles but also how things go wrong, specifically in terms of the coming of plague, war and tyranny.

Term 2
Unit 2: The Philosophy of Socrates: This unit focuses on understanding who Socrates was and what are the key ideas of his philosophy. You will be introduced to philosophical questions such as when is it right to be disobedient and what is the good life? In particular, you will consider how Socrates’ philosophy is designed to provide you with the answer to questions like these and that you can apply to your own life.

Term 3
Unit 3: The Roman Emperor Augustus: This unit explores how power can be used as a force for good and bad. It does this by exploring the reign of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus and how he used his image to promote himself and persuade his fellow Romans that only he could bring them peace and prosperity. It also looks at the lasting influences of Augustus’ use of art as a tool of propaganda across time. To do this you will compare Augustan art to the artworks of Alexander the Great and the Italian dictator Mussolini.

Term 4
Unit 4: Roman art and architecture: This unit also looks at the art and architecture of Augustus, particularly the life-size statue of Augustus, the Prima Porta and the altar of Augustan peace, the Ara Pacis. Furthermore, it goes on to look at emperor Trajan’s triumphal column in Rome. For each of these artworks you will undertake a detailed examination of and interpretation of their features and effects both in terms of their artistic value and historical meaning.

Learning Areas:

SOCIAL SCIENCES


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.

Career Pathways

Barrister, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Author, Counsellor, Trainer, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Secondary School Teacher



			


				

Disclaimer

* PLEASE NOTE

For senior courses, standards listed are indicative only and are subject to change.