Page 22 - The Sixth Form Course 2021

Classical Civilisation Entry Requirements
None – You do NOT have to have taken this subject at GCSE.
This A Level would suit candidates who...
• Are interested in any aspects of the Roman and Greek world
• Would like to learn more about the relevance of the Romans and Greeks to our
own lives
• Enjoy literature – the poetry of Homer and Vergil is some of the finest you will
ever read!
• Have an interest in History or would like to learn more about the origins of
drama and the theatre
• Want a seriously respected A Level subject on their UCAS forms and CVs
Course Content and Examinations
The department’s choices for the first two components are confirmed. Component 3 is subject to final confirmation.
Component 1 (40%) – The World of the Hero: you will study Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey, as well as Vergil’s Aeneid. You will develop a sophisticated level of knowledge of the epics, the way in which they were composed, and the religious, cultural and social values and beliefs of their societies. Homer was considered by the Greeks themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture, standing at the beginning of the Western literary canon. This component provides the opportunity to appreciate the lasting legacy of the Homeric world and to explore its values. The epics of Homer, with their heroes, gods and exciting narratives, have been in continuous study since their conception, and remain popular with learners and teachers today. Vergil’s Aeneid is a landmark in Western literature. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as his own cultural and political context, Vergil explored what it was to be a Roman hero and created a work which has proven enduringly popular.
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