So you have decided to study Classical Civilisation at A Level?

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "So you have decided to study Classical Civilisation at A Level?"

Jasmine Flynn
5 years ago
Views:

term and over the Summer Holidays to ensure you are ready to start your course in September.

this summer to start to explore the nature of the Classical world: its people, societies,

You must complete the tasks on the next page before September and bring them completed to

The rest of the pack is designed to get you engaging with Classical Civilisation at a more

1 So you have decided to study Classical Civilisation at A Level? This pack contains a programme of activities and resources to prepare you to start A level in Classical Civilisation in September. It is aimed to be used after you complete your GCSE throughout the remainder of the Summer term and over the Summer Holidays to ensure you are ready to start your course in September. For the majority of you many of the ideas, concepts and topics will be brand new to you use this summer to start to explore the nature of the Classical world: its people, societies, history, geography and culture. You must complete the tasks on the next page before September and bring them completed to your first Classics lesson. The rest of the pack is designed to get you engaging with Classical Civilisation at a more advanced level. We are not expecting you to complete the entire pack (it is just to give you ideas) but use this as an opportunity to discover, explore, investigate, read and learn something new or in more depth about this fascinating period of history. Immerse yourself in the Classical World!

A level Classics will use your skills from GCSE and build on this to help you understand new and more demanding ideas. Complete the following tasks to make sure you are ready to start studying.

Greek Art A study of the development of Greek temples, pottery and sculpture in the sixth, fifth and fourth centuries.

Students will also explore Ancient Greek values, society and history as part of the course.

- Should they be returned to Athens? Research the debate Use this website as a starting point: http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/statements/parthenon_sculptures.

2 A level Classics will use your skills from GCSE and build on this to help you understand new and more demanding ideas. Complete the following tasks to make sure you are ready to start studying. The following tasks should be completed before September and brought to your first History lesson completed. Greek Art A study of the development of Greek temples, pottery and sculpture in the sixth, fifth and fourth centuries. Students will explore sites such as the Athenian Acropolis and examine important works of art including Myron s Diskobolos and the Riace Warriors. Students will also explore Ancient Greek values, society and history as part of the course. Tasks: Research the Elgin marbles and find out (you could make Cornell notes if you wish see Next page): - What are the Elgin Marbles? - What are they so controversial? - Should they be returned to Athens? Research the debate Use this website as a starting point: Visit the Parthenon Gallery (free) at the British Museum. - Take a picture of an object that you find interesting. - Find out as much as you can about the object. Bring your notes and picture to the first Classical Civilisation lesson in September The World of the Hero: Homer s The Odyssey and Virgil s Aeneid A critical study of selected books of the Odyssey and the religious, cultural and social values within the text. The Odyssey is a fantastic tale of adventure filled with gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters. Tasks: Research Homer and the context of his work. Try to find answers to the following questions: Who was Homer? When did he live/work? What was Greece like during Homer s lifetime? What are his poems about? Use the Cornell notes system on the next page to structure your research findings. Core texts for the course You should buy the following texts over the summer. They will be used by you during Year 12 you will need to annotate on them. You should also have a ring-binder folder for Greek Art handouts. 1. Homer, Odyssey, tr. E V Rieu, Penguin, rev. ed (reprinted 2003), ISBN OCR Classical Civilisation A Level Components 23 and 24 by L. Snook & A. Mitropoulos (2017) ISBN OCR Classical Civilisation A Level Components 11 The World of the Hero by S. Knights (2017), ISBN * Students eligible for the sixth form bursary will have their textbooks purchased for them centrally in September.

Research, reading and note making are essential skills for

For the tasks on the previous page you are going to produce

Divide your page into three sections like this 2.

3 Research, reading and note making are essential skills for A level Classical Civilisation study. For the tasks on the previous page you are going to produce Cornell Notes to summarise your reading. 1. Divide your page into three sections like this 2. Write the name, date and topic at the top of the page 3. Use the large box to make notes. Leave a space between separate idea. Abbreviate where possible. 4. Review and identify the key points in the left hand box 5. Write a summary of the main ideas in the bottom space Images taken from

Entertaining and informative documentaries have been made over the years particularly by the BBC about the Classical World.

Watch out for the cheesy background music and dramatic voiceovers!

Michael Wood searches for the elusive site of Troy, the famous city at the heart of the Trojan War.

We know how its victims died, but this film sets out to answer another question - how did they live?

What tore its Empire apart? This new documentary looks at the secret of Rome s success.

on these two ancient cities. Excellent context for the Greek Art unit in Year 12 and the Aeneid in Year 13.

and their contributions to their Empire. Greece with Simon Reeve (BBC, 2016) Interested in current affairs or economics?

4 Entertaining and informative documentaries have been made over the years particularly by the BBC about the Classical World. They are great for bringing archaeological sites and ancient cities to life. The majority are usually available to watch on youtube.co.uk. Watch out for the cheesy background music and dramatic voiceovers! In Search of the Trojan War by Michael Wood (BBC, 2005) A documentary classic. Michael Wood searches for the elusive site of Troy, the famous city at the heart of the Trojan War. Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town by Mary Beard (BBC, 2010) Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. We know how its victims died, but this film sets out to answer another question - how did they live? Rome: Empire Without Limit by Mary Beard (BBC, 2016) How did a mediocre city in central Italy become to dominate such a large area? What tore its Empire apart? This new documentary looks at the secret of Rome s success. Building the Ancient City: Athens and Rome (BBC, 2015) This two episode documentary by archaeologist Wallace- Hadrill focuses specifically on these two ancient cities. Excellent context for the Greek Art unit in Year 12 and the Aeneid in Year 13. Meet the Romans by Mary Beard (BBC, 2012) Another Mary Beard documentary but this time the focus is on the lives of the ordinary people and their contributions to their Empire. Greece with Simon Reeve (BBC, 2016) Interested in current affairs or economics? Simon Reeve travels around modern Greece attempting to understand its modern economic crisis and its impact on the country. How Art Made the World by Nigel Spivey (BBC, 2006) Interested in art history? Embark on a thrilling journey through time and five continents to the heart of creativity. Fusing social history, politics, science, nature, archaeology and religion, this international landmark series unravels a universal mystery - why the world around us looks like it does.

The Greek and Roman Myths by Philip Matyszak This handy guide to the Greek and Roman myths brings Classical Mythology to life.

Classical Art by Mary Beard Arguably the most famous Classicist Mary Beard will take you on a journey about how art changed from the early Greeks

It s All Greek To Me by Charlotte Higgins A bluffer s guide to the Classical World giving you a helping hand around the Parthenon, Persian Wars

The Mighty Dead Why Homer matters by Adam Nicolson Wonder why so many Hollywood film writers still chose to follow the same epic storytelling

Nicolson sets out to explain why these great ancient poems still have so much to say about what it is to be human, to love, lose, grow old and die.

SPQR, A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard Another blockbuster of a book by Mary Beard for those interested in the fascinating rise and fall of

5 Kick back this summer with a good read. The books below are all popular Classical Civilisation books and are great for extending your understanding of the Classical World. The Greek and Roman Myths by Philip Matyszak This handy guide to the Greek and Roman myths brings Classical Mythology to life. Myths were the background of their religion, art, history and society! Classical Art by Mary Beard Arguably the most famous Classicist Mary Beard will take you on a journey about how art changed from the early Greeks to the Romans. This will prepare you and extend your knowledge for the AS module in Greek Art and Architecture. It s All Greek To Me by Charlotte Higgins A bluffer s guide to the Classical World giving you a helping hand around the Parthenon, Persian Wars and Greek gods. An introduction that aims to bring the Classical World back the mainstream. The Mighty Dead Why Homer matters by Adam Nicolson Wonder why so many Hollywood film writers still chose to follow the same epic storytelling structure? Nicolson sets out to explain why these great ancient poems still have so much to say about what it is to be human, to love, lose, grow old and die. In Year 12 you will study Homer s The Odyssey. SPQR, A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard Another blockbuster of a book by Mary Beard for those interested in the fascinating rise and fall of the Romans and their Empire. This will be excellent preparation for the Year 13 course. Interested in ancient societies? Women in the Ancient World by Jenifer Neils From the faithful wife to the powerful queen, the untouchable priestess to the high-living prostitute, the daily lives and roles of women in the ancient world of Greece and Rome, Egypt and the Near East were fascinating and varied. Packed with illustrations this book is both thought provoking and surprising. A more challenging read Homer s The Iliad An ancient epic that underpins the whole of western literature. The story focuses on the struggle between the Greeks and Trojans in the final days of their ten year war.

Everyone loves a good story and Hollywood has reproduced many of the Classical epics over the years.

We warn you now that they might not be that realistic!

fame as hit recording artists The Soggy Bottom Boys. Starring George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson as the hapless heroes.

Emperor Disney s Hercules (1997) Disney s take on the classic Hercules story.

6 Everyone loves a good story and Hollywood has reproduced many of the Classical epics over the years. Here are some of the picks of the best or most entertaining films based on the classical world. Great watching for a rainy day. We warn you now that they might not be that realistic! Troy (2004) An unrealistic yet epic telling of the clash between the Greeks and the Trojans in the Trojan war starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom amongst others. O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000) The Coen Brothers own unique take on Homer's Odyssey sets the action in 1930s Mississippi, where three clueless convicts escape a chain gang and go in search of buried treasure. This leads to a series of unlikely adventures - involving oneeyed con-men, seductive sirens and Ku Klux Klan lynchings - which culminate with the boys inadvertently discovering fame as hit recording artists The Soggy Bottom Boys. Starring George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson as the hapless heroes. Gladiator (2004) This big budget epic and tear-jerker starring Russell Crowe follows General Maximus (Crowe), made a slave and then a gladiator who seeks revenge against the Emperor Disney s Hercules (1997) Disney s take on the classic Hercules story. In an attempt to prove himself to his father Hercules sets out on an adventure with Pegasus the flying horse and Phil his personal trainer. However Hades hopes to scupper his plans Ben Hur (1960) This film winning 11 Oscars on its release in 1960 and inspiring the later Gladiator film follows Ben Hur, a Jewish Prince who is enslaved and enacts revenge against the Romans In Athens, one of the very first theatres, the formal theatres of performing arts in Western civilisation was a festival in Athens called the City Dionysia, which was dedicated to him. And they had this competition, it was a bit like the X Factor. All these playwrights came together and competed for who had the best play. And they were dedicated to Dionysus, and Dionysus was... I guess he was the god of performing. Without him, there d be no actors. Tom Hiddleston, star of The Night Manager and Classics graduate.

If you have 30 minutes to spare, here are some great presentations and talks (and free!) from world leading academics and researchers on a variety of topics.

com/talks/david_christian_big_history Backed by stunning illustrations, David Christian narrates a complete history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the Internet, in a riveting 18 minutes.

Revealing the lost codex of Archimedes: Available at : http://www.ted.com/talks/william_noel_revealing_the_lost_co dex_of_archimedes Interested in maths and scientific methods?

Ancient books curator William Noel tells the fascinating story behind the Archimedes palimpsest, a Byzantine prayer book containing previously-unknown original writings from ancient Greek

7 If you have 30 minutes to spare, here are some great presentations and talks (and free!) from world leading academics and researchers on a variety of topics. They provide some interesting answers and ask some thought-provoking questions. Use the link to view: The History of our World in 18 minutes Available at : Backed by stunning illustrations, David Christian narrates a complete history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the Internet, in a riveting 18 minutes. This is "Big History": an enlightening, wide-angle look at complexity, life and humanity, set against our slim share of the cosmic timeline. Revealing the lost codex of Archimedes: Available at : dex_of_archimedes Interested in maths and scientific methods? How do you read a twothousand-year-old manuscript that has been erased, cut up, written on and painted over? With a powerful particle accelerator, of course! Ancient books curator William Noel tells the fascinating story behind the Archimedes palimpsest, a Byzantine prayer book containing previously-unknown original writings from ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes and others years of history in one object Available at : story_in_one_object A clay cylinder covered in Akkadian cuneiform script, damaged and broken, the Cyrus Cylinder is a powerful symbol of religious tolerance and multi-culturalism. In this enthralling talk Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, traces 2600 years of Middle Eastern history through this single object. Neil Macgregor was the former head of the British Museum and presenter of BBC Radio 4 s A History of the World in 100 objects series. BBC Radio 4 s In Our Time Available at : Radio series covering everything from science to culture to history featuring respected academics in their field. Many previous episodes are about the classical world and can be downloaded using their podcasts or listened to from their website. Relevant episodes include topics such as Greek Myths, Comedy in Ancient Greek Theatre, Thucydides, Alexander the Great and the Roman Republic. Enjoy stand up comedy? BBC Radio 4 s Natalie Haynes Stands up for Classics Available at : Something a bit more light hearted! Comedian Natalie Haynes takes a fresh look at the ancient world in her radio comedy series, creating stand up routines on famous figures in the ancient world.

If you are on holiday in the UK, or on a staycation at home, why not plan a day trip to one of these : English Heritage has 381 sites around the country of historical interest including the 1066

uk/visit/places/ The National Trust also protects some fantastic sites around the country. Check out their website at https://www.natio naltrust.org.

uk/t hings-to-do/visit-thecity/walks/pages/self-guided.

8 If you are on holiday in the UK, or on a staycation at home, why not plan a day trip to one of these : English Heritage has 381 sites around the country of historical interest including the 1066 battlefields, castles and grand houses. Use their handy search tool to find a site near you or your holiday! The National Trust also protects some fantastic sites around the country. Check out their website at naltrust.org.uk/ There are some great Roman sites to explore in England including: - Hadrian s Wall - Bath - Fishbourne Roman Villa - Bignor Roman Villa - Roman London hings-to-do/visit-thecity/walks/pages/self-guided.aspx Other excellent and relevant museums in the UK include: The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford The Cast Museum, Cambridge London is also full of some great historical attractions and museums related to Classics including: Museum of London (free) Museum of London Roman site openings and walking tours of London Roman Amphitheatre under the Guildhall (free) The British Museum (free) Tour the archaeological Archive run by the Museum of London Petrie Egyptian Museum, London (free) British Museum currently has two special exhibitions running related to the Classical World Sunken Seas about Alexandria and Sicily.

Designed to be used by all including university students excellent for research. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/ Shmoop is an example of a good study guide website for The Odyssey.

9 Classics websites These websites all offer an amazing collection of resources that you should use again and again through out your course. Might seem difficult to access at first but this website is a massive database of literature and archaeological evidence of the classical world. Designed to be used by all including university students excellent for research. Shmoop is an example of a good study guide website for The Odyssey. Useful as a starting point or for revision. Spark Notes, a classic website used regularly by students. It has a good study guide for The Odyssey which is again useful for revision or as a starting point to make your plot summaries. The Classics Library is a hub for students, academics and teachers of the Classical World. The website has a great section for events which is updated regularly make sure you check it to find out anything that s happening near you. See over for The Khan Academy Classics on Social Media Follow on Twitter: King s Classics The Classics Department at King s College London news, events and open Cambridge regular interesting tweets with news and events from the Classics Department at The Classical Association Membership organisation representing Classicists and students. Students can become members for a cheap rate and attend events and talks locally at University of Mary Beard twitter feed for one of Britain s best known Find on Facebook: Classics Library regular updates with breaking news, events, new finds and anything of interest to Classicists! British Museum profile page of the UK s most visited attraction History Today an on this day type profile page

Classics: Volunteering! Day 4 of the holidays and boredom has set in? There are loads of ways that you can volunteer in a Classics related way if you are really keen.

Remember that you can volunteer in something that is related to history, society or literature as sadly we have few Greek villas in England!

in London In the past Classics students have also found part-time jobs in libraries, historical houses and bookshops which they have found useful for their university UCAS forms.

They are usually quite specialist, but aimed at the public, not the genius! There are lots of websites that help you find a course, such as edx and Future learn.

10 Classics: Volunteering! Day 4 of the holidays and boredom has set in? There are loads of ways that you can volunteer in a Classics related way if you are really keen. Some of our ideas include the following places contact them or look at their websites to see if they have any current opportunities. Remember that you can volunteer in something that is related to history, society or literature as sadly we have few Greek villas in England! Hampton Court Ham House or another National Trust Property Your local museum Your local archaeological society you might be able to join them on local digs or walks The British Museum or other museum in London In the past Classics students have also found part-time jobs in libraries, historical houses and bookshops which they have found useful for their university UCAS forms. Want to stand above the rest when it comes to UCAS? Now is the time to act. MOOCs are online courses run by nearly all Universities. They are short FREE courses that you take part in. They are usually quite specialist, but aimed at the public, not the genius! There are lots of websites that help you find a course, such as edx and Future learn. You can take part in any course, but there are usually start and finish dates. They mostly involve taking part in web chats, watching videos and interactives. Completing a MOOC will look great on your Personal statement and they are dead easy to take part in! Khan Academy - A brilliant website for Unit 1: Greek Art and Architecture. Use to review, consolidate and introduce works of art through clearly explained videos. You can also use it to extend your knowledge into other areas such as pottery that we don t cover at A Level. A must for this course!

Transition materials for AS Classical Civilisation

Transition materials for AS Classical Civilisation Introduction Welcome to the A Level Classics booklet preparing you to start you re a Level Classics course. This pamphlet contains advice and activities