12 Classical Studies
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs J. Champness.
Classics is a multi-disciplinary subject where students will explore the world of ancient Greece through art, literature, mythology, and history.
The Persian Wars - Students will explore the war between the Greeks and the Persians between 490 and 479 BCE. They will examine the causes of the wars, and key events such as the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis and Platatea. Students will consider whether there was a clear "winner" in the Persian Wars, and how the Persian Wars shaped Greece over the next 100 years.
Athenian Sculpture and Architecture - Students will explore statues and public buildings from ancient Athens. When examining the sculptures and buildings, they will explore form and function, style, techniques, artistic and/or historical context, and influence on other cultures. Students will discuss the relationship between Athenian public buildings and the Auckland War Memorial Museum and document the connections between the ancient world and modern New Zealand.
Sopholces' Antigone - Students will examine the myths of the royal house of Thebes. They will then explore ancient Greek theatre and the genre of tragedy, before reading and analysing Sophocles' play Antigone. They will discuss important ideas such as when is it important to stand up against unfair laws? To whom do we owe more loyalty - our family, or our country? Students will consider the use of Greek tragedies in the modern world, and if the themes of Greek tragedy still have relevance today.
Throughout all of these topics, students will examine the connections between the ancient world and the modern world, and how understanding the ancient world can help us understand the world we live in now.
Recommended Prior Learning
Students must meet the Year 12 English OR Year 12 History requirements.
Subject and Associated Costs
Course Costs: Nil.
Associated Costs: $20.00 (approx.) for the Auckland War Memorial Museum trip to study the Museum’s Greek architectural features. Other trips may be arranged during the year if Classical Studies-related events are available.
Pathway
Classical Studies matters today because the modern world has been profoundly shaped by the classical past. A Classics education trains students to be citizens of the modern world. Classical Studies gives you the skills that employers seek These are the powers to read and analyse complex texts, to write about them with insight and intelligence, and to learn about other peoples and modes of thought. Classical Studies students perform well in admissions to law and medical schools, and other competitive university selections. They go on to flourish in a range of careers including law, medicine, the arts, nonprofit work, activism, business, finance, journalism, publishing, and teaching.
Assessment Information
Entry to Year 13 Classical Studies:12 credits in NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies, with at least one external standard and one internal standard.
Classical Studies can be taken for the first time in Year 13 if students meet the requirements for Year 13 English or Year 13 History
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This subject is eligible for subject endorsement.
This subject is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.1 - Examine ideas and values of the classical world
Students will use the information learned about Antigone in this standard.
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.2 - Examine the significance of features of work(s) of art in the classical world
Students will use the information learned about Athenian Sculpture and Architecture in this standard.
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world
Students will use the information learned about The Persian Wars in this standard.
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures
Students will use the information learned about Athenian Sculpture and Architecture in this standard.
Disclaimer
It is important that you complete your option selection by the due date to enable you to have your preferred course of study. Course availability is dependent on numbers and staffing, and course entry will be confirmed at the beginning of the school year.