Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2CLA

Classical Studies Level 2[[Image:Roman Social Life - Perystilium.ogv|thumb|right|220x212px]]
Classical Studies is the study of aspects of classical Greece and Rome. It is a "multi-disciplinary" subject. This means that it combines the study of history, literature and art.

The course aims to introduce students to the cultural tradition of classical civilisation that formed the basis of Western European's historical, cultural and traditional identity.

Why Study Classics?

The Western European civilisation and cultural tradition is an important part of our contemporary New Zealand culture. We can find the origins of much of our art, science, literature, law, philosophy, politics and religion in the classical Greek and Roman world.

Awareness of these origins and the situations in which they occurred captures our interest and adds to our understanding of these subjects. We may wish to continue them at university if we decide to study for Law, Science, English Literature, Political Science, Philosophy or Classical Studies degrees.

It is interesting to be able to view literature, science, art, philosophy and politics through the fresh eyes of someone exploring the classical Roman and Greek world point-of-views!



Course Aims
1. To provide a knowledge and appreciation of selected areas of Greek and Roman civilisation.

2. To encourage you to make comparisons between classical civilisation and contemporary New Zealand.

3. To provide experience of a variety of different types of subject matter, evidence and argument.

4. To provide opportunities for you to participate, contribute and relate to others in an encouraging and respectful environment.

5. To provide opportunities for you to use self-management and thinking skills as they use language to research, understand, communicate or explain.

What will I study?
The course begins with an introduction to the Greek pantheon of Gods and Goddesses and their Roman counterparts. Students will study Greek mythology and its connection with human needs for survival and understanding of their physical environment and human emotions. This links to reading and study of Homer's Odyssey as students will have knowledge of the role, nature and beliefs of the Gods in Greek Society and recognise these reflected in Homer's epic. Students will study The Odyssey's themes including: the nature of the Greek hero, the sin of hubris, the role of women in Greek society and customs associated with guest friendship.

Term two includes the study of aspects of Roman social life, the eruption of Vesuvius and its contribution to our knowledge of Roman art, society, architecture, daily life, ceremonies, entertainment and food.

To complete your internal assessments you will:
Read The Odyssey, by Greek poet Homer, one of the earliest epic adventures ever to be written. This epic will be compared to the film The Odyssey, directed by Andrey Konchalovsky so that we can consider the extent to which a range of aspects/ factors and features are present and similarly or differently presented in both epic and film.

AS 2.5 Demonstrate understanding of the influence of aspects of the classical world on other cultures. Epic poem vs epic film 2.5B

Credits: 6

Study the significance of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD to show insight into why the eruption was important and to development conclusions about why Vesuvius was significant in preserving information about ancient Roman everyday life. AS 2.3 Examine a significant event in the classical world.

Credits: 4



To complete your External Assessments you will:
Examine the ideas and values of the classical world that are present or depicted in Homer's  Odyssey  in order to answer questions about: what "leadership qualities" looked like in the ancient world, the role of the gods and their intervention in human life, what was regarded as appropriate and/or inappropriate behaviour, social customs, friendship, the position of women in society and burial rites.

AS 2.1 Examine ideas and values of the classical world.

Credits: 4 

Study aspects of Roman Social Life in order to answer questions about: political and social divisions, the relationships between slaves and citizens or citizens and patrons, gladiatoral and chariot racing entertainment, religious festivals, rites of passage and marriage ceremonies. AS 2.4 Demonstrate Understanding of socio-political life in the classical world.

Credits: 6

Course requirements for students
This is a university approved subject course and a professional standard of student participation, attendance, milestone completion, internal and external Achievement Standard completion is required. Students are required to keep up with course readings and home learning set to support topic lesson progression. Practice in essay writing is compulsory. Continued review of class learning and course content is an expectation. Students will be expected to sign a declaration of their commitment to support the above expectations at the beginning of the course when school commences.

Frequently asked questions and NZQA
Where does Classical Studies fit into Albany Senior High School and what are the aims and philosophy for teaching History at the school?

Classical Studies is managed by the History and Classical Studies Department at ASHS. Our department philosophy is to provide learning opportunities about history and classical studies that: -engage student curiosity. -create opportunities for deep understanding about groups, movements, conflicts and ideologies in history. -create links of understanding for students to political, social, economic and religious environments and/or institutions operating in today's world.

What to do if .. I have an assessment today, but I am too sick. Phone your tutor straight away to tell them. Leave a message if you have to. You must go to your doctor to have the medical form filled in. Bring the completed form to your tutor when you return to school. You will also need to fill in a missed assessment form (reception) and return it to the school within 3 school days of the missed assessment.

I have an assessment today, but there's been an accident or some family emergency or trauma. Phone your tutor as soon as you are able. When you return to school you must bring a note from your parent/guardian or your school counsellor and you will also need to fill in a missed assessment form and return to the school within 3 school days of the missed assessment.

I did the test/assessment, but I think I didn't do my best because I was sick or really upset. Straight away, ask your teacher about further assessment opportunities or other evidence they may have collected. Your doctor will have to fill out the medical form if you were sick or you will need to bring a note from your parent/guardian or your school counsellor.

I have to hand in this assessment today, but I am too sick to come, or there's been some family emergency or trauma. Send the assessment to the school office, or if you can't, phone your tutor who can talk to the Specialist Subject leader about what can be done. You will also need to fill in a missed assessment form and return to the school within 3 school days of the missed assessment.

I'm going on a school trip. You will be notifying the teachers affected at least one week before the trip. They will decide about your assessment in consultation with the Specialist Subject leader.

I'm going on a family holiday. You must ask permission by writing to the Principal, Ms Cavannagh. Tell your teachers, but be aware that you are very likely to forfeit the credits for assessments you miss.

I have tutoring, a music lesson, cultural or sports practice, rehearsal. Do the assessment at the correct time. The other things are not as high a priority. Don't forget to let other people know you are attending the assessment in advance to show respect for their time!

I am late handing in my work. You will have to talk to your teacher who will consult with the SSL over whether your work can be accepted- this is likely to be the case only in very exceptional circumstance. You will also need to fill in a missed assessment form.

My computer or printer breaks down. You need to be aware that technology can fail at the crucial moment. This is unlikely to be acceptable as a reason for late work. It is your responsibility to guard against losing your work through technological failure by printing out your work at regular intervals and saving your work on a back-up disk. If your printer breaks down, print at school or email the work to your teacher.

I chose not to come to that test or hand in that assessment. You will get no marks or credit for that assessment.

It is important that you understand what you need to do to achieve success this year. Your teachers will give you clear information about what is expected. You need to make sure that you check with your teacher if you are unsure about anything.

Welcome to our Department            If you have any questions, contact Mary van Rossen at mvanrossen@ashs.school.nz