Preferred Entry Level
National 5 History or English

Course Content
The Higher Classical Studies course examines the civilisations of Ancient Greece and Rome. In so doing, students gain an insight into the roots of western civilisation and look at the impact that these cultures still have on our lives today. The study of ancient civilisations also enhances students’ awareness of social, political, religious and moral issues in society today. The study of classics encourages clarity of thought, attention to detail, and the ability to argue a case, skills useful in many areas of employment.

There are three main units students study:

• Life in Classical Greece – study of society, religion, and the political and legal systems of 5th century BC Athens (slavery; the role of women; Athenian imperialism) 
• Life in the Roman World – study of Rome in the 1st century BC and AD (what it meant to be a Roman citizen; roles of slaves and women; impact of the Empire on people living under the rule of the Roman Empire; Roman religion) 
• Classical Literature – study of Oedipus the King and Antigone (a comparison of modern and classical attitudes to heroism, leadership, conflict and violence, women in society and fate versus free will) 

 

Homework
Students will be expected to read passages and texts outside of class time, as well as do some independent research and written tasks; these will include practice of exam questions. 

Assessment structure: 
There are two main areas of formal assessment: 

Exam 
Paper 1: Classical Literature 1hr 10 minutes 30 marks 
Paper 2: Classical Society 1hr 50 minutes 50 marks 
    
Assignment worth 30 marks (students pick and research a topic of their own, complete a resource sheet, and write up the final work under exam conditions in 90 minutes).
  
There will be regular in class assessment both formally, and through digital activities.

 

Progression 
For generations a classical education was considered a privilege for the few, but the knowledge and skills it provides are now highly appreciated by both academic institutions and employers. It can aid cultural literacy; teach the foundations of philosophy and history; encourage cultural insight; and provide opportunities for wide-ranging and critical thinking. Classics can be studied right through to postgraduate level without the need to learn the Classical languages; Latin and Ancient Greek.

The course is particularly useful for those seeking to embark on careers in law, journalism, museums, archivists, legal profession, civil service, the armed forces, tourism, art galleries, advocacy, politics, authorship, web content providers and the creative industries.
A Higher qualification in classical studies is respected and valued by universities.