OCR’s A Level in Classical Civilisation has been designed to provide learners with a broad, coherent and rewarding study of the literature and culture of the classical world. It offers learners the opportunity to study elements of the literature, visual/material culture and thought of the classical world, and acquire an understanding of their social, historical and cultural contexts. The course is studied in three distinct components, each with clear and well-defined content and strong supporting materials. · Component 1 - The World of the Hero This is a compulsory component consisting of an in-depth study of: · Odyssey by Homer · Aeneid by Virgil This component is solely focused on the study of literature in translation. In this compulsory component learners will study one of either Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey, as well as Virgil’s Aeneid. Learners will develop an increasingly sophisticated level of knowledge and understanding of the epics themselves, the way in which they were composed, and the religious, cultural and social values and beliefs of its society. Both texts should be studied in equal levels of depth and should require an equal amount of teaching time. The poems of Homer were considered by the Greeks themselves to be a foundation of Greek culture, standing as they do at the beginning of the Western literary canon. This component provides learners with the opportunity to appreciate the lasting legacy of the Homeric world and to explore its attitudes and values. The epics of Homer, with their heroes, gods and exciting narratives, have been in continuous study since their conception, and remain popular with learners and teachers today. This component also provides learners with the opportunity to appreciate Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone and landmark in Western literature. Drawing inspiration from Homer, as well as from his own cultural and political context, Virgil explored what it was to be a hero in the Roman world and created a work which has proven enduringly popular. · Component 2 - Culture and the Arts · Greek Theatre The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world, and has had a profound and wide reaching influence on modern culture. To fully understand this cultural phenomenon requires study of not only the plays but the context in which their form and production developed. To develop this understanding this component involves the study of the physical theatre space used by the Greeks to stage their dramas, and also depictions of this staging in the visual/material record. This study of the production of Greek drama is coupled with an in–depth study of three plays, all of which have proven to be enduring favourites. The themes and concepts explored by these plays are of significant relevance and interest as much to the modern audience as they were to that of the original performance. The plays and material culture included in the specification provide learners with a range of interesting sources which will allow them to explore, evaluate and understand this aspect of ancient culture and its relevance to us in the modern world. · Component 3 - Beliefs and Ideas · Love and Relationships Ideas about love and relationships are key aspects of the literature, thoughts, and ethics of any society. This component offers the opportunity for learners to recognise and relate to the passions, frustrations and delights of love in the ancient world. The ethical questions raised by these ideas continue to be wrestled over by successive generations and this unit will generate interesting and important discussions about love, desire, sex, sexuality and the institution of marriage. Ancient ideas about men, women and marriage enable learners to discuss the reality of love and relationships in everyday life, whilst study of Seneca and Plato provides a more conceptual approach. Throughout this material learners will be able to draw comparisons and make judgements about ideal and reality, and the nature of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to love or be loved. The study of poetry forms the second half of the unit. Sappho provides a link between the Homeric poems and the literature of 5th and 4th century Athens. She is one of very few female voices from the ancient world; the context of her life is fascinating, and her verse is powerful and evocative. Ovid offers a lighter presentation of relationships and concentrates on the fun and flirtation of budding romances.