National 5 Classical Studies

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In Classical Studies course, pupils will learn about classical societies and how the issues of the classical world are relevant to an understanding of modern society. They begin to develop their sense of identity and place in the modern world by building a framework of religious, political, social, moral or cultural knowledge and understanding.

Unit 1: Life in Classical Greece

Pupils will study life in 5th-century BC Athens in relation to topics such as daily life and democracy. Pupils will also identify similarities and differences between the aspects of the classical world studied and the modern world, eg comparing ancient Greek education with contemporary education

Unit 2: Life in the Roman World: Pompeii

Pupils will study life in the Roman world in relation Pompeii, an archaeological site of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Again, they must also be able to identify similarities and differences between the aspects of the classical world studied and the modern world, eg comparing how people made a living in Pompeii compared to modern occupations.

Unit 3: Classical Literature

Pupils will study a classical text, which link the classical and modern worlds. They will need to consider some of the universal values, themes and ideas within the text, for example Heroism or Conflict.

ASSESSMENT

To gain a National 5 Classical Studies award pupils must complete the following assessed pieces:

A researched extended essay (The Assignment)

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 1 hour 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 are interested in reading literature and want to discover more about classical stories and myths.