Wesley College

Year 12 Classical Studies

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Miss K. Mitchell.

Recommended Prior Learning

There is no set prior learning to participate in this subject. As a student in this subject you will need to bring a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn and explore new topics.

Classical Studies is a university approved subject that is exciting and interesting. To understand ourselves, and our place in a bicultural society; it is important to learn about the societies that laid the foundations for the world we live in today. The theme of Classical Studies is the study of people, events/places, culture and identity and how this has come to influence the modern world.

Though much of western civilisation has roots in these ancient cultures, our knowledge of them is often small. Classical Studies engages with topics such as law, philosophy, religion, science, democracy, literature and morality, aspects that all have their origins in the classical world. As a student you will explore community, cultural identity, values and perspectives to think critically about human behaviour relationships to acknowledge the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome to develop understanding about the past and present; in doing so you will be able to envision possible futures.

Level 2 Classical Studies will specifically allow you the opportunity to explore a significant event, culture, ideas and values, and society and life in the classical world. In You will develop a wide range of skills such as how to research, collate and analyse materials, critical evaluation skills and the ability to interpret resources, oral and written communication skills, organisational skills, handling complex information and much more.

Classical Studies is a fantastic way to earn university approved credits and prepare you for higher education that can lead into a range of possible career/job opportunities. These include, but are not limited to: museum/gallery work, legal/law, teaching and academia, journalism, librarian, historian, archaeologist and human resource advisor.

As Classical Studies is a literacy based subject, an entry requirement for level 2 is you will need level 1 English to make sure you have the fundamental skills needed for this subject.

Course Overview

Term 1
AS91202 (2.3): Demonstrate an understanding of a significant event in the classical world (4 credits).

In term 1, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to classical mythology! You will explore the significant classical event of the Persian Wars and how this impacted not only Athens, but world history. You will have the opportunity to explore key battles, figures and military tactics. The Persian Wars greatly changed a key period in classical antiquity where new people were able to rise to dominance and power.

Term 2
AS1204 (2.5): Demonstrate understanding of the relationships between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures (6 credits).

In term 2, you will explore Homer's Odyssey, looking at specific moments and comparing this to the film adaptation of the same name. You will have the chance to immerse yourself into this epic poem and explore the long eventful journey of Odysseus as he tries to make his way home after the Trojan War meeting many challenges that he wittingly has to overcome.

Term 3
Exam preparation:

AS91200 (2.1): Examine ideas and values of the classical world (4 credits).
AS91203 (2.4): Examine socio-political life in the classical world (6 credits).

In term 3, we will turn to external preparation. You will explore the Odyssey in more detail, understanding how the ideas and values of the classical world are demonstrated in this. You will have the chance to refine your writing skills to make sure you meet the requirements of writing a classical studies essay.

Term 4
Exam preparation:

AS91200 (2.1): Examine ideas and values of the classical world (4 credits).
AS91203 (2.4): Examine socio-political life in the classical world (6 credits).

In term 4, we will continue to prepare for the external examination. You will explore the Odyssey in more detail, understanding how the ideas and values of the classical world are demonstrated in this. You will have the chance to refine your writing skills to make sure you meet the requirements of writing a classical studies essay. This term, we will aim to get you to think perceptively about the Odyssey and its connection to classical ideas and values.

Learning Areas:

Social Sciences

Assessment Information

This subject will offer two internally and two externally assessed achievement standards.

Internal Achievement Standards:
- AS91202 (2.3): Demonstrate an understanding of a significant event in the classical world (4 credits).
- AS91204 (2.5): Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures (6 credits).

External Achievement Standards:
- AS91200 (2.1): Examine ideas and values of the classical world (4 credits).
- AS91203 (2.4): Examine socio-political life in the classical world (6 credits).

Total credits on offer: 20.

Classical Studies may help lead you into exciting career pathways such as, museum/gallery work, legal/law, teaching and academia, journalism, librarian, historian, archaeologist and human resource advisor and more.