Higher Classical Studies

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 A pass at National 5 History or a pass in N5 Classics is recommended.

 COURSE DESCRIPTION

Candidates study the religious, political, social, moral and cultural values and practices of Classical Greek and Roman societies. This develops candidates’ understanding of how the issues of the classical world remain relevant to an understanding of modern society. The course emphasises the development and application of skills. The focus on evaluating sources and understanding and analysing classical literature, develops candidates’ knowledge of classical societies, and develops their thinking skills and skills in literacy.

Section 1: Life in classical Greece

Pupils gain an in-depth factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of life in fifth century BC Athens. Areas of study include the experience of enslaved people in classical Greece, the status of women in the classical world and the structure of the Athenian legal  system.

Section 2: Life in the Roman world

Pupils gain an in-depth factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of life in the  Roman world in the first century BC and first century. Areas of study include state religion, religious tolerance and domestic religion in the Roman world.

Section 3: Classical Literature

Pupils study different classical texts. They will look at key themes, including fate versus free will, heroism and conflict.

 Assessment

To gain a Higher Classical Studies award, pupils must complete the following assessed pieces:

A researched extended essay.

An external exam which covers all three units.

 WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

Regular homework will be set by the class teacher.  Students can expect to be doing at least 2 hours of study per week which will include a selection of:  End of Topic formal homework/Consolidation of notes from previous week /Completion of exercises as home practice. Assignment and Exam preparation

 Is Classical Studies for me? 

 You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You think the past and present are connected and want to know more about how we got here.

You enjoy history and want to broaden your knowledge of the wider world.

You enjoy reading stories that make a point about what it is to be human.