Year 13 Classical Studies (Level 3)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Mr B. Coutts.
This course develops and extends ideas and values of the classical world with both a Roman and Greek focus.
Students will examine the complexity and diversity of social, political, artistic, and ideological aspects of the classical world and how these aspects influenced the lives of Romans living in those times. They will also understand how and why ideas and values of the classical world have influenced other cultures, including New Zealand, over time.
The course includes Alexander the Great or Augustus, Literature, Roman Art and Architecture.
Topics studied:
- Alexander the Great
- Alexander the Great who, before the Roman Empire came into existence, conquered the largest empire at the time, which was the Persian Empire hence making him an important historical figure. We study it with particular reference to primary and secondary sources that give us insight into how Alexander was able to do this, the trials and tribulations that he faced along the way (luck vs. actual strategy) and how Alexander and his conquering impacted the classical world at the time and beyond.
Or
- Augustus
- Augustus became the first Roman Emperor and established a form of government which would last for hundreds of years. We will study how he was able to come to power after the assassination of Julius Caesar and make far reaching military, societal and governmental reforms. In addition, we will evaluate his achievements.
- Art and Architecture of the Roman Empire
- This topic covers sculpture (portraits and reliefs), Religious and public architecture of the Roman Empire from the time of Augustus through to Constantine, with particular reference to the artworks listed below:
- The Theatre at Lepcis Magna
- The Arch of Constantine
- Maison Carree at Nimes
- The Arch of Titus and reliefs
- Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek
- Ara Pacis Augustae
- The Pantheon
- Bust of Commodus
- Hadrian’s Baths at Lepcis Magna
- Patrician Carrying Busts
- The Colosseum
- Bust of Philip the Arab
- The Pont du Gard
- Prima Porta Augustus
- Trajan’s Column
- The Infernal Internal or The Hungry Heroes
- The Infernal Internal requires you to write an analysis that demonstrates your understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world over time. You will use Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid and Dante’s Inferno as the context for this analysis. The Hungry Heroes internal requires you to write an analysis that demonstrates your understanding of the lasting influences of the classical hero and the epic poem over time. You will use Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid and Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games as the context for this analysis.
- Roman Religion
- An aspect of the ideology(ies) of religion in the Roman Empire will be investigated, with particular focus on attitudes towards Christianity.
The programme of learning will relate to the following Big Ideas that reflect the nature of Classical Studies;
- Big Idea: Citizenship
- Big Idea: Culture and identity
- Big idea: Empire and power
- Big Idea: Conflict
- Big Idea: Art and aesthetics
- Big Idea: Heritage
Prerequisites
- Open Entry. All students are welcomes in this subject.
- The course may be started at Level 3. At least 12 credits at Level 2 Classical Studies or English or History or History of Art is an advantage.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.2 - Analyse the significance of a work(s) of art in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.3 - Analyse the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Possible Careers
Archivist, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Historian, Film and Video Editor, Barrister, Author, Minister of Religion, Trainer, Journalist, Interior Designer, Communications Professional, Conservator, Technical Writer, Legal Executive, Editor, Solicitor, Judge, Curator, Radio Presenter, Workplace Relations Adviser, Records Adviser, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Librarian, Translator, Market Research Analyst, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Secondary School Teacher, Travel Agent/Adviser,