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Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms S. van der Wende.

Have you read the Percy Jackson books and loved them? Enjoyed the movie Hercules? Have you heard stories about the Greek gods and wanted to know more about them? If so, Classical Studies is the subject for you!

Classical Studies is the study of the people, places and events of ancient Greece and Rome through their history, literature, art and mythology. It teaches you to make links between past and present civilizations in order to better appreciate the influence of the Classical world on your own society. Classics also encourages the skills of critical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication.

The Year 12 course introduces you to the world of ancient Greece.

In 2025 you will learn about the following topics:

Greek Mythology: We consider the nature and function of mythology, including the divinities of ancient Greece, focusing in particular on the Olympian gods. Then we will turn to the role of heroes, such as Heracles and Perseus, and the wonderful story of the Trojan War.

Athens in the 5^th Century: We explore the history of Athens in the 5th Century BCE, when Athens was in its heyday; the Persian invasions and the Peloponnesian War against the Spartans, the development of democracy and the key figures from this period, like Pericles and Alcibiades.

Greek Tragedy OR Homer’s Odyssey: We will examine the ideas and values of ancient Greece through the exploration of a work of literature: Through studying the tragic play Antigone by Sophocles, you will examine why a young woman is condemned to death after she buries her brother OR the fantastic story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his 10 year journey home following the Trojan War.

Athenian Art and Architecture: We will look at famous Athenian temples on the Acropolis, such as the Parthenon. We then turn to the development of sculpture throughout this period.

You will also develop skills in:

Thinking critically about sources: Understand the relationships between social, political, artistic, and, technological aspects of the classical world and how these aspects influenced the lives of Greeks and Romans living in those times.

Examining values: Understand how and why ideas and values of the classical world have influenced other cultures, including New Zealand.

Course Overview

Term 1
Greek Mythology
Internal assessment 91204 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures

Term 2
Athens in the 5th Century
Internal assessment 91202 - Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world
Ancient Greek literature study - begin the topic by gaining an understanding of Greek theatre or Homeric Epic and reading a work of literature from the ancient world

Term 3
Greek Tragedy - spend time analysing the ideas and values in Sophocles' Antigone or Homer's Odyssey.
Athenian Art and Architecture

Social Sciences Assessment Policy & Procedures

Classical Studies can be studied for its own enjoyment and interest. It leads on to a wide range of career paths which involve analytical thought, creative expression, research and communication skills. It may also be studied in Year 13 and at University. It is particularly helpful to students of Art History, English, and History.