CLASSICAL CIVILISATION A&AS LEVEL AQA

Entry Criteria:

There is no need to have studied either History or Classical Civilisation at GCSE, although an interest in History is crucial, but we do expect students to have a grade 5 or above in English Literature in addition to our general entry requirements as this is an essay and literature based subject.

What is Classical Civilisation?

Classical Civilisation is the study of the history and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Course offerings cover every aspect of life in the ancient world, including politics, warfare, law, slavery, gender and sexuality, religion, sports and leisure, death, literature, art, architecture and philosophical thought. All topics include a study of primary and secondary classical sources, whether texts in translations, physical evidence or historical works, and encourage students to gain an understanding of Greek and Roman society and its values.

Why do Classical Civilisation?

The histories of Greece and Rome are both fascinating and exciting and therefore students who love history will enjoy the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of ancient history. The small city of Rome fighting its way to supremacy, first in Italy, then across the whole of the Mediterranean, finally becoming an Empire encompassing as far north as Britain, in the west as far as Portugal,  and stretching down to Africa and across into the Middle East, provides an amazing area of study. The history of Greece is inextricably linked with the history of western civilisation. It was in Ancient Greece that democracy was invented and argued about, where great philosophical issues were debated, where the question of whether it is nature or nurture that defines character was discussed, and where there was a tremendous flourishing of art and literature…as well as a few good wars!

Therefore, the study of Classical Civilisation leads to an understanding of the foundations of the society in which we live today.
However, Classical Civilisation encourages students to develop the critical and evaluative skills which will enable them to go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of courses including, of course, Classics or Ancient History. Classical Civilisation also complements many other popular A Levels including Art, English Literature, Government and Political, History, RS, Philosophy and Ethics, Drama & Theatre and the Social Sciences.