NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs G. Fernandez.
Classical Studies is about the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. It is an exciting course that challenges students and their ways of thinking.
It focuses on:
Famous people who influenced the ideas and values of ancient society and shaped the world we live in.
Classical mythology: stories about gods and heroes, including their purpose and relevance to modern society.
Significant events and their impact on our lives and the lives of ancient people.
Artworks and buildings that reflect the creativity and ingenuity of ancient societies and form the basis for modern art and architecture.
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.
2025 COURSE OUTLINE:
BEAUTY ACROSS THE AGES:
With a focus on Aphrodite/Venus, we investigate how classical art influenced the work of future generations.
ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND HIS POLICY OF FUSION:
How Alexander's intention to fuse the races (Greeks and Persians) brought about a mutiny and the death of some of his closest friends.
ROMAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE:
How Roman Emperors used art and architecture ( eg the Colosseum) to promote themselves and why these buildings continue to inspire and influence modern practices in design, architecture and engineering.
VIRGIL'S AENEID:
This is an epic about love and war, devotion and duty, destiny and personal development.
"Classics is about building knowledge and developing critical thinking, not passing on information" Associate Professor of Classics, Canterbury University
2023 Classical Studies Educational tour to Greece and Italy - Rome - Arch of Titus
Recommended Prior Learning
10 credits in any Year 12 course or by HOD approval.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Costs: Possibly $20-40 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.
Past BHS 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
INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS:1) Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time: Students will carry out research, analyse visual resources and write a report in which they discuss the influence of Greek and Roman artworks on Botticelli's birth of Venus.
2) Demonstrate understanding of Alexander the Great's policy of fusion: Students will use primary and secondary sources to research and write a report in which they draw conclusions about Alexander's policy of fusion.
EXTERNAL Assessments:
Students will have a 3 hour examination to write extended paragraphs on the two Achievement Standards studied during the year (Virgil's Aeneid and Art and Architecture).
They will be provided with 4 questions on each Achievement Standard and will be asked to respond to ONE of these questions.
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.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.1 - Analyse ideas and values of the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.2 - Analyse the significance of a work(s) of art in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.