Classical Civilisation

What is Classical Civilisation about? 

Classical Civilisation is one of the most wide-ranging and progressive subjects available in the Sixth Form.

-What does the “Odyssey” tell us about the world of Homer, its author?

-What might the ancient Romans have been able to see and do in their towns?

-What can archaeology tell us about the lives of the people of Pompeii?

-Was Virgil anything other than a court poet for the emperor Augustus?

-What did the Romans do for us in Britain?

These are just a few of the questions that you will consider if you decide to study Classical Civilisation. The range of potential material is huge: archaeology, mythology, literature, history, art and architecture all come into the discussion. You are expected to be able to make an informed and reasoned answer to such questions together with a personal response to more open ended questions, such as the one on Virgil.

You will develop your skills of analysis, evaluation and interpretation, and speculate about perennial questions such as these. Classical Civilisation, therefore, provides the opportunity for learning all important skills such as essay writing in combination with the ideas and attitudes of cultures which still influence modern-day thinking.

 

What does the course consist of?

You will have an opportunity to look at both Greek and Roman cultures. In the AS there is Homer’s Odyssey, an epic poem composed 2,700 years ago about events 500 years before that: the Trojan War and its aftermath. You will read the poem and investigate the myth and the reality behind the poem, in particular the society of the Odyssey and its values. Then for the second unit in the AS, you will explore the ancient cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia through the medium of archaeology and the written record. Like “Time Team”, we will use the evidence to build up a picture of the people and their lives.

At A Level, there is an opportunity to get under the skin of the people of Roman Britain. What was life like before, during and after the Romans? In short, what did they do for us? Archaeology and the written record provide some of the answers. You will have your chance to offer your own interpretation of the evidence. The final unit is the epic poem, the Aeneid by Virgil, with some of Homer’s Iliad. You will compare the two poems, since Virgil largely derived from Homer, but you will also look at the extra dimensions added to the poem by Virgil. What do they mean? Was Virgil simply mythologising Augustus and his regime? So here there is history and politics as well as literature.

The subject therefore involves:

·         Developing an interest and enthusiasm for the Classical world

·         Developing your knowledge and understanding of this world

·         Being aware of the influence of the ancient world upon later times and its continuing influence

·         Developing and applying your  analytical and evaluative skills

·         Understanding some aspects of the ancient world, how the people lived and what they valued.

 

Sample questions:

Does the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in ad 79 and the preservation of the archaeological remains that happened as a result make them better sources of information about town life in Roman Italy than the remains at Ostia? 

The portrayal of Greek society in the Odyssey suggests that women were not important. How far do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

For these sorts of questions you need a thorough knowledge of the topics and an ability to weigh up the evidence whether it is based on archaeology or literature. 

Who does it suit?

You do not need any previous knowledge to study AS or A Level Classical Civilisation; it is a subject which can be studied from scratch with no problems. An enquiring mind and a liking for reading are important. An ability to discuss and develop a line of argument is essential.

Classical Civilisation is an enormously rewarding subject to study. You should come into it with an open mind, prepared to have your horizons broadened. You will go out of it (if you have given the course your best) with a valuable body of skills and knowledge that will have changed your outlook on the world.

  

What will it be like studying Classical Civilisation at d’Overbroeck’s?

First, the smaller classes and less formal atmosphere make for a more congenial working atmosphere. Lessons are focused but at the same time you will have the chance to ask questions and to air your own opinion. Being able to defend a point of view is an important skill whether it is in the classroom or in the world outside. You will never be bored; no student has ever said Class Civ is boring; quite the opposite many are surprised at how interesting and relevant it can be even in this day and age.

 

What books can I read to get a sense of the subject? 

Start with Homer and Virgil; or watch a film such as “Troy”. It will give you a flavour, though Hollywood rarely gets everything right!

 

The Odyssey                            Homer                       Penguin Classic

The Iliad                                   Homer                       Penguin Classic

Pompeii                                   Peter Connolly           Oxford

Roman Britain                         H H Scullard             Thames & Hudson

The Aeneid                              Virgil                            Penguin Classic

Oxford History of the Classical World       Boardman, Griffin & Murray    Oxford

 

 

What websites are there to look at?

 

Try:

http://www.romanbritain.org/

http://www.stoa.org/projects/ph/home

http://pompeii.virginia.edu/

http://www.pyrrha.demon.co.uk/

 

 

Who will teach me?

 

Currently the department consists of Jane Nimmo-Smith  who teaches Classical Civilisation, Latin, Greek and Ancient History.

 

An Oxford graduate, Jane has been an assistant examiner and assessor for Ancient History for six years. 

Particular interests: “whatever I happen to be teaching but I also like reading about the late Roman Empire.”

 

What are the results like?

 In 2006-7 three students took the A Level with C grades. One student took the AS with A grade. In 2005-6 2 students at AS achieved C grades and 3 at A Level achieved 2Cs and 1 D; all students either matched or improved on their likely achievement based on their GCSE grades. 

What can I study with this subject at university?

Classical Civilisation is a good choice for any student wishing to take Classics, Classical Studies or Archaeology; it is also a useful A level for any arts subject such as English Literature. It can be a valuable adjunct to any of the sciences considering the current emphasis on improving the written communication skills of non-arts students. Recent students have gone on to study archaeology, anthropology, PPE, law and modern languages at Nottingham, Oxford, Durham and King’s College London.