Classics - AS
About this course
Classical Civilisation AS Level is a one-year course, which consists of the study of both a literature and an historical component. No prior knowledge of the classical world is required and all texts will be studied in translation (English).
What you will study
During the course, you will study:
Course Content Unit 1: The World of the Hero
This is a compulsory component consisting of an in-depth study of Homer’s Iliad in translation. Students will study the themes as well as the historical context of the narrative, in particular the ‘historical reality’ of the Trojan War. As this is a literature module, the key themes of the text will be studied. These include:
- Honour
- The Heroic Code and its impact on those of high and low status
- Glory and Shame
- Love and Family relationships Power, Anger and Wrath
- The relationship between Mortals and Immortals
- The role of Destiny and Fate
- Death and Mortality
- Women and their role in society
Unit 2 Content of Culture and the Arts
The second module called ‘Imperial Image’ focuses on the concept of ‘political spin’.
Following the career of Octavian, the heir of Julius Caesar, this module assesses how Octavian built an Empire from the ruin of the Republican Civil War.
Areas of study include:
- The benefits for Octavian of associating himself with Julius Caesar and the suggestion that Octavian was a ‘God’
- The possible dangers of association with Julius Caesar and how Augustus sought to distance himself from the problematic aspects of Julius Caesar’s public image
- The myths of Saturn’s fall from Olympus
- Octavian as the Saviour of the Republic.
Entry requirements
Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language Minimum B
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
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Full Time
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Career prospects & further study
On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:
- Classic
- History
- Law
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Need to know
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