13 Classical Studies
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Year 13 (2025) students are required to attend Subject Confirmation on Thursday 23 January to finalise their timetable.
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 Trojan War in Art - Students will explore the myth of the Trojan War through Greek paintings. They will look at how the myth of the Trojan War has influenced artists across time. They will explore the way the Trojan War has been depicted in art by a range of artists such as Jacque Louis David, Primaticcio, Rubens, and others. Students will examine the use of the Trojan Myth to convey meaning to an audience, and the relevance of the themes of the myth.
Alexander the Great - Students will explore how Alexander rose to power, his military exploits, leadership, relationships with his men, political ideology, and legacy. Students will examine how he gained the title "the Great', and whether he deserved to be called "the Great".
Aristophanes and Comedy - Students will examine the origins of comedy by learning about ancient Greek comedy. Students will explore ancient Greek theatre and the genre of comedy, before reading and analysing one of Aristophanes' plays - either Wasps or Frogs. They will explore the connections between ancient and modern comedy, and decide if Aristophanes deserves the title "the father of comedy".
Throughout 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
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.
Subject and Associated Costs
Course Costs: Nil.
Associated Costs: At present there are no associated costs. 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.
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 3.1 - Analyse ideas and values of the classical world
Students will use the information learned in Aristophanes, Comedy and Wasps in this standard.
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.3 - Analyse the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world
Students will use the information learned about Alexander the Great in this standard.
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world
Students will use the information learned about Alexander the Great's political ideology in this standard.
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time
Students will use the information learned about The Trojan War in Art in this standard.
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
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.