Classical Civilisation AS & A2

1. Classical Civilisation AS & A2 Distance learning by video-conferencing

2. What is Classical Civilisation? • It’s the study of the world of the Greeks and Romans, between two and three thousand years ago • Our options focus mainly on the Greeks, and especially the city of Athens in the 5th century BC • This was a world largely shaped by Homer’s Odyssey, the text of which you will study in the AS year • This was the period when Drama went through exciting stages of development – both Tragedy (AS) and Comedy (A2) • It was also a time of political change, and the rise of philosophy to pose questions about the world and the place of human beings in it

3. Why study Classical Civilisation? • Going back to the roots of all European culture, practices and institutions • Develops appreciation of the move from an ‘oral’ to a ‘literary’ society • In-depth study of several great works of Greek and Roman literature • Shows how comedy has its origin in Athens, and introduces you to a true genius of comic drama – Aristophanes • Helps to put Shakespeare and the plays of our own time in their cultural context – the writers of Greek tragedy were often there first! • Opportunities to see at least one of the set plays in performance • Study of Epic Poetry – Homer’s Odyssey (AS), Iliad (A2) and Virgil’s Aeneid (A2)

4. Why study an A level subject this way? • Using video-conferencing and working out when and how you will manage your private study • Develops organisational skills valued by universities and employers • Encourages clear communication and debating skills • Develops the skill of forming, expressing and justifying your opinions • Your tutorials taken, and essays marked, by subject expert

5. Classical Civilisation - AS Module 1 – Homer’s Odyssey In-depth study of 16 of the 24 ‘books’ of this, the original epic poem! Trace the voyage home of our hero Odysseus as he battles against sea-monsters, giants and a powerful god Find out the Greek attitudes to religion, sport, hospitality…… Module 2 – Greek Tragedy In-depth study of 4 compelling tragedies, originally written for drama festivals Learn about their background – the rise of Athens to dominate 5th century Greece Compare the styles and concerns of the three great names: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides

6. Classical Civilisation A2 Module 3 – Comic Drama in the ancient world Begins with two hilarious plays by Aristophanes – virtually the father of European comedy Continues with two plays by the Roman comic playwright Plautus Learn about how these plays were staged, who acted in them and how they were received by their first audiences Module 4 – Virgil and the world of the Hero Study Virgil’s great epic poem The Aeneid in the context of four books of Homer’s Iliad Find out how the Roman writer built upon the achievement of his mythical predecessor

7. Further questions about Class Civ ? For specific subject-related queries, contact Giles Dawson, head of faculty for Classical Civilisation at MBLS Email: gilesd@mblearningsolutions.co.uk Telephone: 01608 810137 For more general or practical queries, contact the MBLS office on 01492 580101