Classics - AS

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.

Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language Minimum B

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