Whangarei Girls’ High School
Level 2 Classical Studies
2CLA
Course Description
Step back in time to the thrilling worlds of Ancient Greece and Rome, where gods and heroes battled, empires rose and fell, and stories of love, power, and betrayal shaped entire civilisations. If you’re curious about why people behave the way they do, what makes a hero, or how ancient ideas still influence us today, this course is for you. Dive into epic adventures like Odysseus’ perilous journey home, the dramatic downfall of Julius Caesar, and the stunning art and architecture that reveal hidden stories of status and belief. You’ll also get to challenge your thinking by comparing ancient myths to modern movies like Troy - discovering what changes and what stays the same. This course offers both reading and writing credits, perfect for students who want to sharpen their literacy skills while uncovering the secrets of history’s greatest stories.
Learning Opportunities
In this course you will need to:
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- Reading and writing - how to plan and write extended essays. Students will read chapters of the Iliad and the Odyssey with the teacher and examine how the ideas and values of Ancient Greece are evident in the text. All assessments are written and it is strongly recommended that students are confident in their writing
| - The Iliad vs. Troy - Compare Homer’s epic Iliad with the modern film Troy. What gets changed - and why? This topic helps you think critically about how modern media adapts ancient myths and what that says about us today.
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- Critical thinking - exploring ideas from ancient society and how these are reflected in modern society.
| - Julius Caesar and the Fall of the Roman Republic - Explore how Rome went from a republic to an empire through the story of Julius Caesar. You'll examine real historical figures, political backstabbing, propaganda, and how leadership and ambition shaped the world.
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- Communication skills - contributing to group and class discussions. Classics is a discussion based subject and students will learn through class and group discussions to develop their critical thinking of the content. Written communication is also important for success in this subject
| - Homer’s Odyssey - Follow Odysseus on his wild journey home, filled with monsters, temptations, and tricky gods. At the heart of it all is the idea of home, loyalty, and what makes a true hero.
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- Research Skills - how to research credible information and integrate this into your written work. This is important for the assessments as well as class work.
| - Art & Architecture of the Ancient World - Discover the art and architecture of the Greeks and Romans through temples, houses, mosaics, and frescoes. Learn what buildings and images reveal about myth, status, and ancient values.
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Year Levels/Departments:
Classical Studies, Seniors
Resources Required
1B8 Exercise Book
Gluestick
Pens