Whangarei Girls’ High School Whangarei Girls’ High School

Level 2 Classical Studies (THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL FOR 2025, PLEASE CHOOSE ANOTHER COURSE)

2CLA
Course Description

Classical Studies broadly focuses on Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece with a focus on mythology, heroism, gender roles, art and daily life. If you are interested in social behaviour and the reasons for our social norms, Classics will suit you. Students are required to read extensively and complete assessments by writing reports, with this course providing students the opportunity to gain both writing and reading credits.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:Explore this content:
  • Reading and writing - how to plan and write extended essays. Students will read chapters of 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.
  • Roman Social Life: In this topic you will study how ancient Roman people lived such as their diets, bathing habits, gender roles, gladiator battles. This introductory topic gives you an in-depth understanding of life in Ancient Rome during the Republic and Empire. Religion, mythology and the underbelly of Roman life is exposed, along with the more suspect Emperors who have left behind notorious legacies.
  • Critical thinking - exploring ideas from ancient society and how these are reflected in modern society.  
  • Homer’s Odyssey: A timeless story of one hero’s ten year journey to return home to his faithful and loyal wife Penelope. The original love story that involves cyclops, witches, gods and goddesses, bad storms, addictive lotus flowers, murder, revenge and family reunions
  • 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.
  • The Big Bang!: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD buried the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In this topic you will study the eruption and the artifacts that were found preserved, such as the bones, food, houses and water structures. A fascinating look at what Ancient Roman life was like preserved throughout time.
  • 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 and Architecture: This covers paintings, mosaics and buildings from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Discover more mythology and Greek history.


Marian Maguire — Paper-Works

                 


Year Levels/Departments:

Classical Studies, Seniors




			
					
					Resources Required
										
1B8 Exercise Book

Gluestick

Pens