CLASSICS

Head of Department: Miss L Fontes

Latin in the 2nd - 3rd years

All girls begin Latin in the 2nd year and continue in the 3rd year. They have four periods of Latin each week, taught in tutor groups in the 2nd year and set according to ability in the 3rd year.

2nd Year:

Cambridge Latin Course Book I

3rd Year:

Cambridge Latin Course Book II (Set 1 follow this course throughout the year, whereas the lower set follows a course of classical studies after February)

GCSE Latin (OCR board)

The subject provides an invaluable background for Modern Languages and many Arts and Science subjects at all levels. Girls who have already demonstrated considerable ability will enjoy working in a smaller group.

We continue working with the Cambridge Latin Course and girls will take the examination specifically designed for this course by OCR. Its aims are to understand the structure of the language and its influence on English and other Modern Languages, to appreciate the literature, and to understand the cultural context.

The three examinations therefore consist of four parts of approximately equal weighting:

·         Unprepared Comprehension with Translation (practised throughout the course)

·         Prose Authors and Verse Authors (both prepared during the Fifth Year)

·         Roman Life questions (covered in the Fourth and Fifth Years as we meet them in the background material)

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LATIN A-level (OCR Examinations Board)

The AS syllabus consists of the detailed study of a section of Ovid's Metamorphoses, which is examined in two papers (requiring appreciation and translation of the text) and one paper of unprepared translation.

Comprehension work on the text of the Metamorphoses is followed by translation and then the consideration of the work as a piece of literature. Students can have quite different ideas on Ovid's characters and his description of events, which can lead to lively discussion. It is also interesting to see how the Metamorphoses have been reinterpreted by different generations of poets as widely separated as Gower (a contemporary of Chaucer) and Ted Hughes, who died only recently. The amount to be studied is limited and so there is time to appreciate fully each episode, both from a linguistic and literary standpoint.

On the other hand, the unseen prose translation offers the chance to taste a wide variety of different material, such as personal letters (Pliny), biography (Suetonius), legal cases (Cicero) and history (Livy).

The A2 syllabus consists of one literature paper based on the study of a section of Virgil's Aeneid. The other papers are both unprepared, the first consisting of a passage of verse as well as prose, and the second being a passage for comprehension. In order to prepare for these papers a wide variety of prose and verse authors is studied.

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CLASSICAL CIVILISATION A-level  OCR Syllabus H041 (AS) H441 (A2)

The course offers the study of Greek and Roman civilisation by means of literary topics. All texts are studied in English, so no knowledge of Latin or Ancient Greek is required. It is an interesting, stimulating and varied subject which appeals in particular to those studying English, Drama and Theatre Studies, History, History of Art, Religious Studies and Modern Languages.

AS level (1st year) A2 level (2nd year)

Unit 1: Homer’s Odyssey and Society

This module deals principally with areas of literature and society, but it is also concerned with religion and values, and, to a lesser extent, history, archaeology and politics.  We shall concentrate on the critical analysis of content, structure, presentation and style.  Attention will also be paid to the moral and social values expressed and implied in Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, including the concepts of ‘honour’ and ‘reputation’, the part played by women and their place in society and the role played by the gods.

Unit 3 : Comic Drama in the Ancient World

We shall study plays by the Greek playwrights, Aristophanes and Menander, and the Roman playwright, Plautus in their historical, literary and cultural contexts.  Topics for discussion and analysis might include: the nature of the comic hero/heroine, the balance of fantasy and reality, and the dramatic intentions and techniques of the playwright.

Unit 2: Greek Tragedy

The main focus of this module is a close study of 4 plays: one by Aeschylus, one by Sophocles and two by Euripides.  The plays offer ample material for discussion, both in themselves and in relation to contemporary society and attitudes.  Comparison with more recent drama is an effective way of illuminating what is different about Greek tragedy, for example: the use of music and dance, the treatment of character and use of language.

Unit 4: The Epic and the Age of Augustus

This module comprises Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’ and parts of Homer’s ‘Iliad’.  Students are asked to explore the similarities and differences between Greek and Roman Epic.  Topics for study might include: the concept of the epic hero, literary style, the politics and history of Augustan Rome, and the relationship between gods and mortals.

Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures and plays outside school.

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.cambridgescp.com

www.quia.com

www.mythweb.com

www.romanmysteries.com

 

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St George's School, Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7DZ  Telephone: 01344 629900
E-mail: office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk