Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Classical Civilastion

OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation J199

Why study Classical Civilisation? If you left Latin behind in Lower School, this is your opportunity to leap back into the fascinating exploration of the ancient world without the vocabulary quizzes and declension concerns! All of the material in GCSE Classical Civilisation is studied in English and no knowledge of ancient languages is required. Increasingly, top institutions and employers are realising that the number of young people studying traditional Classics has declined, yet the need for the broad knowledge base and ability to interpret past cultures remains a key concern for universities and employers alike. The unique merit of Classical Civilisation is that it crosses many disciplines. Within its units of study there are opportunities to examine history, society, politics, literature, religion and archaeology - all in the context of the Greek and Roman civilisations that have had such a profound influence on our own culture. Classical Civilisation is a good choice for those who are attracted to the study of ancient cultures and enjoy the history and literature encountered in other subjects.

How is the course assessed? The final grade is based on performance in two written examinations: complement these studies, we read extracts from Homer’s epic the Odyssey, charting Odysseus’ ill-fated attempts to return to his home and family after the fall of Troy, which some studies suggest occurred around 1200BC. What does the course cover? The Myth and Religion unit is a study of both Greek and Roman religious ideas and practices, including stories of the gods and heroes. Pupils investigate the sacrifices and festivals of both the Greeks and the Romans, their pantheon of gods and incredible religious structures that stand to this day. There are extracts from literature (in English), studies of their art, and an examination of their foundation stories, which all go towards shedding light on how the Greeks and Romans perceived themselves in the wider ancient world. The Homeric World unit takes us even further back in time to before the Bronze Age Collapse of 1100BC. Through the study of the remains of the Mycenaean culture, learners gain an understanding of civilisation more broadly, by examining the trade practices, arts, crafts and philosophical beliefs of this Greek culture. To

Paper 1: Thematic Study: Myth and Religion 50% of final mark 1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 2: Culture and Society: Homeric World 50% of final mark 1 hour 30 minutes

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