NCEA Level 1 Classical Studies
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs G. Fernandez.
Classical Studies is about the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. The course is both challenging and exciting and is designed to interest students of different abilities and cultural backgrounds. In 2024, Classics will offer a combination of Achievement and Unit standards, both of which will count towards Level 1, NCEA. Also, students will be able to gain endorsements (for example, they will earn Achieved, Merit and Excellence).
It focuses on:
- Classical mythology: fun stories about gods, heroes and monsters – why and how they captivate modern society.
- Values and beliefs: what they believed in and why, how they lived their lives and how they influenced the way we live.
- People and relationships: a critical view of their society and human relationships
- Famous people: power games and leaders that shaped the world we live in.
Therefore:
Classical Studies is a suitable subject for students who enjoy variety in their learning. It is engaging and relevant for our students and the global world we live in.
It provides:
- Cultural enrichment
- Understanding of the origins of western civilisation.
It also helps develop skills, including:
- Literacy
- Communication, organization and research
- Critical and creative thinking
Classical Studies therefore enhances personal growth and teaches knowledge and skills that are applicable to a wide range of occupations.
2024 COURSE OUTLINE:
INTRODUCTION - GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The stories we love - for the joy of studying Classics.
- Greek myths about gods, heroes and monsters.
- Greek myths and the lessons they teach.
- Zeus, the playboy of the gods.
DAYS OF THEIR LIVES: HOW ATHENIAN SOCIETY WAS ORGANISED
Enables students to think critically about issues that are relevant to society of all cultures and times.
Questions to consider:
- Were women discriminated against?
- Was the life for men really sweet?
- Were Athenians really xenophobic (prejudiced against foreigners)?
- Were the Athenians really good to their slaves?
- Did slavery really help build the glorious city that was Athens?
POWER GAMES: THE RULE OF EMPEROR NERO
Students will learn how power and control may lead to conflict and deviant behaviour.
Questions to consider:
- Was Nero a crazed power hungry man or a by product of his mother's power games?
- Has History maligned Nero or was he truly one of the most evil men?
FOR THE FEAR OF GOD! THE OLYMPIAN GODS IN ROME
Students will understand how the gods / beliefs influenced the way people lived their lives.
Questions to consider:
- How did gods meddle in the life of humans.
- How and why did gods punish or reward people.
- How did people gain the gods favour through animal sacrifice, festivals etc
"Classics is about building knowledge and developing critical thinking, not passing on information" Associate Professor of Classics, Canterbury University
NOTE: There may be an opportunity for Year 11 Classics students to join a tour to Greece and Italy in the future.
BHS Tour to Greece and Italy 2023
At the Colosseum
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Costs: Possibly $20-30 for field trip.
Stationery: Ring-binder, refill and clear copysafe pockets.
Pathway
Classical Studies students are well prepared to enter a wide range of careers and courses.
Our past students are now employed in a huge variety of careers. For example:
Marketing, digital technology, journalism, law, architecture, travel, broadcasting, publishing, human resources, art galleries & museums, teaching, theater/performance, banking, diplomatic service, and SO MANY MORE
Assessment Information
All assessments, for both Achievement and Unit standards will be internally assessed.Students will be required to analyse both visual and written resources and:
• draw conclusions
• show insight into the classical world
• show how the classical world has influenced modern societies
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
Total Credits Available: 12 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info