12CLS - classical studies

To understand ourselves, and our place in a bicultural society, we need to know about the societies that have laid the foundations for the world in which we live. Classical Studies is the study of the people, places, and events of the classical world and how they influence the modern world. Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary subject: students engage with literature, languages, art, history, science, technology, religion, and philosophy.

You will explore community, cultural identity, values, and perspectives and think critically about human behaviour and relationships to appreciate the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, understand the past and the present, and to imagine possible futures.

Your course focuses on:

• the significant political, cultural and economic forces that shaped the societies of the Ancient Greek and Roman World

• the contributions of prominent individuals to the development and expansion of Greek and Roman ideas and values

•  the impact of Greek and Roman society on western culture and institutions.

You will be expected to:

•  interpret and analyse primary and secondary sources

•  make a statement of evaluation or personal response about works of literature and art respond creatively to classical civilisation in written, visual or audio-visual form

You can achieve 20 UE Literacy credits (20 Reading credits and 10 Writing credits)

You will examine the historical importance of classical civilisations.  During the course you will focus on the key concepts of conflict, empire, power, culture, identity, art, aesthetics and heritage.

You will study these concepts in the context of:

• Greek mythology and Homer’s Odyssey

• the battle of Thermopylae and its depiction in 300

• Roman politics, with specific focus on political assassinations during the Republic.

This course is open to all Year 12 students, even if you have not studied Classical Studies before. 

In this course, you will need to be prepared to make a public presentation, enjoy researching and writing essays and be willing to participate actively in group discussion. Recommended prior learning does not require you to have taken L1 Classical Studies.  Having experienced success in English or History will be a solid foundation for success in this course. If you are unsure or have yet to meet the prior learning recommendations, the TiC will meet with you to discuss your plans and ensure you have selected a pathway that meets your needs.

You should:

• have an interest in studying the past;

• be comfortable with writing lengthy essays;

• be comfortable reading large extracts of text

Your course will be a mixture of 2 internally assessed standards and 2 externally assessed standards.  The assessments involve written assignments, supported by primary source evidence from the Classical world.

NZQA Classical Studies Subject Resources 

See NZQA Subject Resources Website http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/classical-studies/levels/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard. Please note that this link will need to be updated since the website has changed.  Thank you for attending to this!