13 Classical Studies
13CLA Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs J. Champness.
Recommended Prior Learning- Success in at least 3 achievement standards in NCEA Level 2 English or History, with at least 1 standard coming from the external exam
- OR at least 12 credits in Level 2 Classical Studies, with at least 4 credits coming from the external exam
- OR Head of Faculty approval.
An interest in history, literature, politics, philosophy, and classical civilisations is an advantage.
Objectives
- To provide students with a knowledge and appreciation of selected areas of classical Greek civilisation.
- To encourage students to make comparisons between classical civilisation and contemporary New Zealand.
- To provide learning experiences in different types of subject information, evidence, and argument.
Content
- For the external standards, at this stage students will be required to analyse ideas and values of the Greeks as presented in literature (e.g. political ideas in Aristophanes’ Comedies) and the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world (e.g. the impact of Alexander the Great).
- For the internally assessed standards, students will be required to discuss an ideology or ideologies (such as Alexander the Great’s fusion policy) and to discuss the influence of the classical world over more than one time period (e.g. representations of the Trojan War in Greek art and in other time periods). Internal assessment topics may change.
- Advanced reading skills and analysis are requirements of the course as texts include literature, history, philosophy, and politics at an advanced level. Students will also be using translated primary source material, such as Aristophanes’ plays, and histories written by Arrian and Plutarch.
Subject Overview
Term 1
The Trojan War in Art.
Assessment: 91398 (3.5) Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influence of the classical world on other cultures across time (Internal, 6 credits).
Students will develop an understanding of:
Mythology
Heroism
Trojan War myths
The Trojan War in ancient Greek art
The Trojan War in art from other time periods.
Term 2
Alexander the Great.
External: 91396 (3.3) Analyse the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world (External, 6 credits).
Internal: 91397 Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world (Internal, 6 credits).
Students will develop an understanding of the life and achievements of Alexander the Great, through examining:
Alexander's rise to power
Alexander's military exploits
Alexander's fusion policy (ideology)
Alexander's treatment of the peoples of the Empire (the Macedonians, Greeks, and Persians)
Alexander's attitude to religion
Why was Alexander so Great?
Term 3
Aristophanes, Comedy, and Wasps.
91394 Analyse ideas and values of the classical world (External, 4 credits).
Part One: Context.
Social and historical background to Attic Old comedy.
Going to the theatre in Athens.
Literary Conventions, e.g. humour types, actors, costumes, masks, play structure.
Part Two: The Wasps by Aristophanes.
Aristophanes: The man and his views.
Context for The Wasps.
Wasps - Trying to save Athens through humour.
Term 4
Revision and Exam Preparation.
Assessment Policy & Procedures Subject and Associated Costs
Course Costs: Nil.
Associated Costs: Nil.