Classical Civilisation AS-Level (2027 exam) & A-Level (2028 exam) – Term 2 (Jan. 2027)

Course Overview

This course covers the content for the OCR specifications.

This course provides the opportunity to study elements of the literature and visual culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and to acquire an understanding of their social, historical, and cultural contexts. The literature is read in translation.

The first year (the one-year AS-Level course) comprises two components:

1. ‘The World of the Hero’ (Homer’s Odyssey, a cornerstone text of western literature)
2. ‘Culture and the Arts’ (Ancient Greek Theatre, involving the study of comedies and tragedies by Ancient Greek playwrights, which have had a profound effect upon western literature).

The second year (for A-Level students only) comprises three components:

1. ‘The World of the Hero’ (Homer’s Odyssey, a foundational text of Greek culture; Virgil’s Aeneid, a foundational text of Roman culture)
2. ‘Culture and the Arts’ (Ancient Greek Theatre)
3. ‘The Politics of the Late Republic’.

With regard to Homer and Virgil, students develop detailed knowledge and understanding not only of the epics themselves, but also the way in which they were composed, and the religious, cultural, and social values and beliefs which underpin them.

With regard to the third component on Politics, this gives students an understanding of the late Roman Republic, a period of upheaval and conflicting views on how the Roman state should function. These conflicts eventually led to the downfall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

Course Method

Lessons involve reading and discussing the set literature, with a focus on aspects of plot, characterisation, and important themes. As well as reading the texts in translation, students will have the opportunity to study aspects of visual and material culture. There is a regular programme of written work, involving both short-answer questions and essays, to consolidate knowledge and to practise writing about texts.

Students will also be encouraged to read around these topics as much as possible through secondary reading, and to supplement their understanding by listening, for example, to Classics-related episodes of BBC Radio’s In Our Time and to Natalie Haynes stands up for the Classics.

Course Details

Term 2 comprises 10 weekly lessons. Each lesson lasts 90 minutes.

Term 2 continues with Homer’s Odyssey up until half-term, after which the focus turns to Virgil’s Aeneid and comparing it with the Odyssey.

This PX Classroom is held on Fridays at 4.30pm (London time zone) starting from Friday, 15th January 2027. There will be no lesson on 19th February due to half-term. The last lesson is due to be on 26th March 2027.