Classical Civilisation

Course summary

This course will introduce you to the worlds of the ancient greeks and romans through epic literature, ancient sources in translation and the art and architecture they produced. You will explore the exciting worlds of religion and philosophy and their impact on society, as well as the ways in which public opinion was manipulated. If you are interested in the ancient world and enjoy reading and discussion then you will love studying classical civilisation. You will study three units: The World of the Hero – Epics by Homer and Virgil on the subject of the Trojan War. In the First Year you will study the Iliad alongside the social, religious and cultural context in which it was written. In the Second Year you will study the Aeneid and explore the ways in which the heroic world was viewed by the Romans. Imperial Image – The first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar was, through careful management of public opinion, able to convince a society that was fundamentally antimonarchical to turn away from its republican values and to accept one-man rule. Study texts and visual culture to find out how. Greek Religion – Study Greek belief systems, and the impact religion had on society, politics and the development of philosophy. You will learn about all aspects of Greek Religion and the way that it worked in society, including the nature of Gods and how their personalities were defined, mystery cults and oracles.