Hutt International Boys' School - Social Science - Geography - Classics

Classics

Classical Studies is the study of the civilisations of classical Greece and Rome. By looking closely at these cultures, students develop their understanding of the foundations of Western Europe, and the origins of much of our art, science, literature, politics, philosophy and religion, and make comparisons to contemporary New Zealand. It is a “multi-disciplinary” subject and contains a range of art, literature and history topics. Students develop their skills in processing and analysing information, and supporting their arguments and conclusions with evidence. Classical studies is available as an option in years 12 and 13

NCEA Level 2

NCEA Level 3

Year 12 Classical Studies is the introductory level of this study available. Students are eased into the subject matter and the topics studied reflect the students increasing knowledge of the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome.

Topic One: Mythology

Students explore the pantheon of Greek gods and their Roman counterparts and adaptations. This is integral in understanding their societies and it links with all of the topics in both level 2 and 3. Also, the subjects of heroes and myths are important for other subjects such as English and Art History.

Topic Two: Homer’s Odyssey

This topic focuses on Odysseus’ travel from the Trojan War and his adventures home, written by Homer c.8 th Century BC. It covers the nature of Greek oral epic poetry and establishes clearly the theories on Homeric society, such as values, the social structure and customs. The beliefs in the gods and their roles in the Odyssey are also important. This subject flows on from the mythology topic and builds upon the students’ knowledge.

Topic Three:Greek Drama

This topic studies the evolution of drama, the conventions of Greek Drama and the text-based study of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Students explore the dramatic conventions and their incorporation into religious festivals. The second half of the topic explores the themes of the tragedies, and their relevance in ancient and modern society.

Topic Four: Roman Social Life

This topic introduces students to the social and daily life of the Romans. Students understand the importance of social divisions including slavery and the daily life of men and women, family life, education, and entertainment. Roman entertainment tends to be a highlight, as it encompasses the baths and the games, both circuses and gladiatorial contests.

Topic Five: The Architecture and Sculpture of 5 th Century Athens

Students study set pieces of work from this period and discuss their evolution of the styles and techniques. Special reference is made to the Acropolis and its impressive temples, such as the Parthenon, and the sculptures found within this location. Classical architecture and sculpture has clearly influenced our modern examples, and time is allocated to visit sites in Wellington that reflect this classical grandeur.

Assessments

Standard		Topic	Credits	Type of Assessment
2.1 90247	Examine a passage from a work of classical literature in translation	Homer’s Odyssey or Greek Drama	5	External
2.2 90248	Examine a work of classical art and/or architecture	Architecture and sculpture of C5 th Athens	5	External
2.3 90249	Examine in essay format an aspect of the classical world	Roman Social Life	5	External
2.4 90250	Complete an independent examination of an area of classical studies	Homer’s Odyssey	5	Internal
2.5 90251	Communicate knowledge of an aspect of the classical world	Greek Drama	4	Internal