Classical Studies

What is Classical Studies?

Classics is the study of Ancient Greece and Rome. The importance of the Greek and Roman culture is their immense influence on the development of Western civilisation.

Our language, art, drama, philosophy, political and legal systems, and architecture are all derived from Greece and Rome. In studying Classics we are studying the origins of our own culture.

At the same time Greek and Roman culture are fascinating subjects in their own right, and the inter-disciplinary nature of the subject means that there are links to almost all other Arts subjects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in Classical Studies, as well as teaching the subject in schools and universities, have found careers in fields as diverse as foreign affairs, trade and industry, university administration, archaeology, law, librarianship, architecture, drama, museums and art galleries and journalism.

Preamble

            1.         Classical Studies is understood as the study of the civilisations of classical Greece and Rome without the study of the classical languages, Greek and Latin. While the study of any civilisation is recognised to be educationally beneficial, the particular case for including classical studies in the curriculum of New Zealand secondary schools rests on two main grounds:

                         (i)        The historical importance of classical civilisation in the cultural tradition of Western Europe which is an important part of contemporary New Zealand culture. In classical Greece and Rome are the origins of much of our art, science, literature, law, philosophy, politics and religion. Knowledge of the sources and development of a cultural tradition is essential to its continuing vitality.

                        (ii)       The intrinsic quality and interest of the products of classical civilisation. The Greeks and Romans produced works of the intellect and creative imagination which are recognised to be of the very highest quality and which can still evoke a strong and enriching response in New Zealand school students.

            2.         Classical Studies is a "multi-disciplinary" subject which includes a number of different types of study, e.g. history, literature and art, which are normally separated in the curriculum. Students may therefore gain experience of the connections that can exist between different intellectual disciplines.

Aims

•1.       To provide students with a knowledge and appreciation of selected areas of Greek and Roman civilisation.

•2.       To provide experience of a variety of different types of subject-matter, evidence and argument.

•3.       To provide a course which will interest and stimulate students of differing abilities and academic backgrounds.

•4.       To allow teachers reasonable freedom to choose aspects of classical civilisation appropriate to their own and their students' interests.

•5.       To provide a progression in the subject from Year 12 to Year 13 while still allowing for students who may wish to begin the subject in Year 13.

•6.       To encourage students to make comparisons between classical civilisation and contemporary New Zealand.

We also aim to ...

• Develop the skills of enquiry, interpretation and communication in artistic, literary, philosophical and historical settings.
• Develop students' ability to enter imaginatively into events of the past.
• Increase students' knowledge and understanding of some of the major trends and developments in New Zealand and other societies through the perspective of the history, literature, art and architecture and philosophy of the Classical periods in Greece and Rome.
• Increase the number of students studying Classical Studies by presenting them with teaching and learning programmes that challenge them to think and learn as young New Zealanders.
• Foster an appreciation of Classical Studies as an important and worthwhile subject to study.

Year 12 Programme 2009

2.1 Examine a passage from a work of classical literature in translation.

We will study the epic poem on the aftermath of the Trojan War and wanderings of Odysseus, concentrating on books 1, 5, 6, 9, and 19 - 23, including the nature of Greek oral epic poetry; the structure, plot and characters of the poem; the values and structure of Homeric society; and the nature and function of Homeric gods.  Students will practise writing short paragraph answers throughout the year.

2.2 Examine a work of classical art and/or architecture.

We will be examining the art and architecture of the Ancient Roman towns Pompeii and Herculaneum.

2.3    Examine in essay format an aspect of the classical world.

We will study Roman social life in the late republic and early empire with particular reference to social divisions (including slavery), the family (including rites of passage and the role of women), daily life (including living conditions), education and entertainment.

2.4 Complete an independent examination of an area of classical studies.

We will study the mythology of the Greeks and / or Romans with particular reference to the gods, heroes, and selected myths and their themes.  Students will complete their own research.

2.5 Communicate knowledge of an aspect of the classical world.

Students will produce powerpoint presentations about minor Greek gods.

Assessment

The course of 24 credits is nine credits internally assessed, 15 credits externally assessed.  Assessment consists of assignments and an external examination at the end of Term 4.  Internal marks will be held on computer.  Work must be signed off once the grade is accepted.  There is a period of one week allowed for queries once work is returned.  Reassessment is only available if a reasonable attempt has been made.

  Year 13 Programme 2009

3.1       Explain a passage or passages from a work of classical literature in translation.

            We will be studying a prose version of the Latin poem Aeneid by Virgil.

3.2       Explain a work or works of classical art.

            We will be studying Greek Vase Painting: the development of Attic vase painting of the 6th and 5th centuries BC, covering the black-figure, red-figure and white-ground techniques, with particular reference to two of the set works.

3.3       Explain in essay format an aspect of the classical world.

            We will study religion in the early Roman Empire with special reference to ideas of divinity, prayer, sacrifice, divination, festivals and ceremonies, private religion, priests, emperor-worship, and non-Roman religions (including Christianity).

3.4       Complete independent research on an area of classical studies.

            Students will research the nature of the gods and fate in the early Roman Empire.  They will also examine the deaths of minor characters in Virgil's Aeneid, before analysing how Virgil was influenced by contemporary views when he wrote his epic masterpiece.

Assessment

The course of 24 credits is six credits internally assessed, 18 credits externally assessed.  Assessment consists of an assignment and an external exam at the end of Term 4.  Internal marks will be held on computer.  Work must be signed off once the grade is accepted.  There is a period of one week allowed for queries once work is returned.