Skip to content

Classical Civilisation

  • Optional
  • OCR

Study the literature, visual and material culture of the Classical World and acquire an understanding of their social, historical and cultural contexts.

Study the literature, visual and material culture of the Classical World and acquire an understanding of their social, historical and cultural contexts.

This subject offers you the opportunity to

Experience elements of the culture and social and political life of the Classical Greek and Roman civilisations which reflect issues relevant to the world today, such as questions of gender, belief and citizenship.

Make comparisons between the ideas of the Classical World and those of today and to understand the great legacy of Classical Greece and Rome to western democracy and culture.

Improve your critical and analytical skills essential for most A Level courses, including A Level Classical Civilisation.

Course Content and Assessment

Please note that there is no Latin or Classical Greek language studied or required for this GCSE qualification.

Thematic Study: Myth and Religion

1 hour 30 minutes (50%)

This unit involves a comparative study of Classical Greece and Rome, combining an engaging variety of literary, visual and material sources. All written sources are studied in translation.

Candidates are required to make informed comparisons between Greek and Roman ideas, including the characteristics of the different societies and the impact of the different cultural contexts. This unit explores religion and mythology in the Classical Greek and Roman worlds.

Literature and Culture: Roman City Life

1 hour 30 minutes (50%)

Students undertake the cultural study of Roman city life and then couple this with the study of a related body of literature in translation. The Roman social system was notorious for its intrigues and politics and this, coupled with the study of the spectacle provided by Roman entertainment, provides an exciting and enjoyable course for students.

Related Subjects

Classical Greek

  • Additional
  • OCR

History

  • Optional

Discover More

Our mission is to nurture confident, considerate and intellectually curious young women.