NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies 201
CLS201 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Ms J. Botting.
Recommended Prior LearningThis is a literacy-heavy subject. Students should have 12 credits from literacy-rich NCEA Level 1 subjects (e.g. English, Geography, or History); however, all students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Classical Studies 201
"Go deep into the past and you'll understand the future" - Marcus Aurelius. Discover the ancient world of Greece and Rome, and learn about the people, places, and events that continue to shape our world. Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary subject which studies themes such as citizenship and society, culture and identity, empire and power, conflict, art and aesthetics. |  |
We begin with Greek mythology, exploring how the stories of powerful gods, daring heroes and legendary monsters have influenced contemporary views of heroism. Students will read the epic, The Odyssey, following Odysseus as he attempts to return home from the Trojan War.
Students will examine key moments in Roman history, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and consider their impact on Roman society and their continued significance today.
The latter part of the course is student-led; students will decide on the topic of study from either the iconic art and architecture of Pompeii or Greek sculpture.
As students move through these topics, they will develop key academic skills, including different note-taking strategies, critical thinking, research, source and evidence analysis, contextual understanding, comparing perspectives, developing convincing arguments, and writing structured reports.
Course Overview
Term 1
Topic: Greek Mythology: Gods, Heroes and Monsters
Students will explore Greek mythology through the stories of gods, heroes, and monsters. They will then research and write a report comparing an ancient hero with a modern hero of their choice, examining how classical myths have shaped contemporary ideas of heroism.
Skills: Critical thinking, contextual understanding, research and source analysis, note-taking, comparing perspectives, developing arguments and structured report writing.
Internal Assessment AS 91204 v2: Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world & aspects of other cultures. (6 credits)
Term 2
Topic: Homer's Odyssey
Students will read The Odyssey, following Odysseus' long journey home from Troy. Through this epic, they will examine themes of leadership, relationships, traditions and what it reveals about Greek ideas and values.
Skills: Critical thinking and interpretation of literary texts, contextual understanding, source analysis, note-taking and textual evidence gathering.
Internal Assessment AS 91202 v3: Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world (4 credits).
Term 3
Topic: EITHER Pompeian Domestic art and architecture OR Athenian Greek sculpture (student choice)
Students will explore how art and design expressed identity, values, and status in the ancient world. By studying either Pompeian homes and artworks or Classical Athenian sculpture, they will analyse how artists conveyed ideas and beliefs, and how classical art influenced later artistic traditions.
Skills: Critical thinking, visual source analysis, contextual understanding, comparative evaluation.
Derived Grade Exams for AS 91200 and AS 91201 will also occur during this term.
Term 4
Students will focus on revision and preparation for the external examinations:
External AS 91200 v2: Demonstrate understanding of the ideas and values in the classical world (4 credits) and/or
External AS 91201 v2: Examine the significance of features of work(s) of art in the classical world (4 credits)
Pathway
NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies 301, NCEA Level 3 History 301
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryNo days out of school are planned at this stage, although a trip may be planned should a relevant exhibition, performance, or university day occur. This may incur a small cost.
Students will need a device, a highlighter and an A4 lined exercise book.