Overview
Are you fascinated by the legacy of the ancient Greeks? Do you have a passion for all things theatre and art or a love of heroic films and ancient battles? This OCR A-level Classical Civilisation online course will provide you with a broad and rewarding understanding of the classical world through the study of a diverse range of ancient literature, visual materials and culture.
Classical Civilisation is a particularly fascinating subject to study, as it encompasses a fantastic variety of disciplines, including literature, history, archaeology and art. With this course, you will build a foundation in understanding and interacting with these disciplines. So while learning about the incredible past, you will also build towards your future.
What you'll learn
To begin, you’ll take an in-depth look at Homer’s Odyssey, developing a sophisticated understanding of this epic and the religious, cultural and social values and beliefs of its society.
You’ll learn about what it was to be a hero in the Greek world, looking closely at literary techniques and composition that shape the plot of the epic, including the use of speeches, the portrayal of war, death and mortality, fate and relationships.
In this section, you’ll study the visual and material culture of Greek Theatre, focusing on how the drama produced in ancient Greece forms some of the most influential literature of the ancient world and has had a profound influence on modern culture.
In the final unit, you’ll be taking a thorough look at ancient Greek religion, an essential part of identity within this society. You’ll be studying the Olympian deities, the reciprocal relationship between gods and mortals and the significance of Homer and Hesiod for Greek ideas about the gods.
Moving on, you’ll look at mystery cults, focusing on the importance of initiation, personal choice and individual participation. Lastly, you’ll examine religion and society, the link between politics and religion, along with the Panathenia and its significance for Athens.
Extra info
Awarding Body
OCR is a leading UK awarding body. Providing qualifications that engage people of all ages and abilities. The general and vocational qualifications equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need for their future, helping them achieve their full potential. OCR provide GCSE courses and A-Level courses in over 40 subjects.
Recognised through UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.
Course Outcome
Upon successfully completing this home learning course, you will receive an A-level in Classical Civilisation, awarded by OCR. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.
How is this course assessed or examined?
You can enrol now for A-level Classical Civilisation examinations for Summer 2024.
You'll be required to complete three standard A-level written exams:
- Paper 1: 2 hours 20 minutes, 40% of A-level, 100 marks
- Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 30% of A-level, 75 marks
- Paper 3: 1 hour 45 minutes, 30% of A-level, 75 marks
These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.
Entry requirements
It is strongly recommended that you have studied English Literature to GCSE or equivalent level before starting this course. It is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.
