Subjects & courses
Classical Studies - NCEA Level 3 and Scholarship - GL300
What is Classical Studies?
Many of Western culture's roots can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Classical Studies looks into the lives, beliefs and creations of the people of these civilizations. Not only has our literature, language, art and architecture been developed from the classical world, but much of our science, mathematics, laws and systems of government as well. Therefore by comparing our ways of living with these origins, we can gain a greater understanding of the current world and its influences. The subject is multi-disciplinary covering topics from politics to religion and philosophy, and students will gain a wide range of historical knowledge and cultural insight, while developing their analytical, critical and research skills.
What this course involves
Theatre and literature form a large part of this course, and their relation to life in ancient Greece and Rome. Importantly, these still influence us today, with much Western drama and fiction originating from this. Students will encounter the Greek Attic comedy of Aristophanes and Juvenal's 'Satires of Rome' as well as Virgil's epic poem 'Aeneid'. In turn, an introduction to the concepts behind Greek vase painting and an historical study of Alexander the Great is also offered. Throughout the course students will gain further insight not just into ancient culture but the way we act, think and live today.
National qualifications available in this course
| Standard | Description | Version | Level | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7577 | Analyse the nature of classical epic and compare it with a subsequent epic | 2 | 4 | 6 | Internal |
| 7587 | Examine the characters themes and staging of two Aristophanic comedies | 3 | 3 | 6 | Internal |
| 7591 | Examine the career and achievements of Alexander the Great | 3 | 3 | 6 | Internal |
| 7593 | Examine the development of Attic vase painting in the 6th and 5th centuries BC | 3 | 3 | 6 | Internal |
| 90511 | Explain a passage or passages from a work of classical literature in translation | 3 | 3 | 6 | External |
| 90512 | Explain a work or works of classical art | 2 | 3 | 6 | External |
| 90513 | Explain in essay format an aspect of the classical world | 2 | 3 | 6 | External |
| 90514 | Complete independent research on an area of the classical world | 2 | 3 | 6 | Internal |
What equipment do I need?
Courses are offered with a range of study options. Most course materials are mailed to you. These include booklets, text books, audio, video and computer CDs and DVDs and boxes of equipment. All courses have on-line support for students with internet access. Check the Course and Assessment Guide for each course carefully to be sure that you can access the equipment you need to provide to study effectively. If you are not sure, contact the Senior Teacher for this course.
Assessment (internal and external)
Internal
Internal assessments are marked by your teacher. You can be assessed any time you and your supervisor are ready, though each assessment task has conditions that you must follow. Both you and your supervisor must make sure that you keep to these conditions and are required to sign to say that you have done so.
External
External assessment means that your grade is decided by an exam. The NCEA exams take place in November each year and have a strict timetable. It is compulsory for students to attend these at the specified location and time. After sitting the exam at an exam centre, it is then sent off to be marked by someone at NZQA. The Correspondence School provides practice examinations late in term three to help prepare you for the external assessments.