Classic Civilisation
Classic Civilization
Classic Civilisation at A-Level offers the chance to study some of the greatest literary or
historical works of the Greek and Roman civilisations. As the ancient texts are read in
modern English versions, a knowledge of Greek or Latin is not required. The subject is
diverse, while its focus is on literature and society of Classical Greece and Rome, it deals
with more than just Plato and archaeology! It focuses on elements of Religion, Art,
Philosophy, Theatre, Astronomy, Mythology and Politics.
The course consists of four units of study:
Unit CC2: Homer’s Odyssey and Society
The examination for this unit assesses students’ understanding of Homer’s Odyssey.
Section A consists of a commentary question on a passage selected from books 4-12, 18-
24. Section B requires students to write an essay.
Unit CC4: Greek Tragedy in its context
The examination for this unit assesses students’ understanding of Aeschylus’ Agamemnon,
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, and Euripides’ Medea.
Unit CC9: Comic Drama in the Ancient World
The examination for this unit assesses students’ understanding and evaluation of
Aristophanes’ Wasps and Frogs, Plautus’ The Swaggering Soldier and Pseudolus and
Menader’s Dyskolos.
Unit CC10: Virgil and the world of the Hero
The examination for this unit tests students’ understanding and evaluation of Virgil’s
Aeneid, and books 6, 9, 18, 22, and 24 of Homer’s Illiad.