Marlborough Boys’ College

NCEA L1 Classical Studies

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms B. Leitupo.

The influence of the classical world is everywhere. Whether it be Nike shoes, democracy, the law, language, religion, art and architecture, the Olympics, mythology, comedy and drama… the classics are foundational to western thought and culture.

Classics is the ultimate multi-disciplinary subject. You will learn about art, history, drama, engineering and archaeology. You will be challenged to face the major problems the ancients and moderns have faced: war, politics and religion, resistance to unjust leaders- civil disobedience, hospitality abuse, how to handle grumpy old men and more.

We discuss similarities and differences between Aotearoa and antiquity and gain insight into our own times.

The way the Greeks and Romans responded to the major concerns of their day “challenge, inspire and resonate with us now.”

The topics we study at Year 11 focus around a study of Ancient Greece in particular:

Greek Mythology- The creation stories and the roles and responsibilities of the 12 Olympian gods. We also consider some mythological stories relating to social conventions- Hercules, Arachne and more. Within our study we also consider similarities and differences with Maori and Pasifica mythologies. The artwork below by former student, Keelin Bell, gives a contemporary take on the story of Icarus.

Oedipus Rex - Though the eyes of Sophocles the playwright, we delve into the ideas and values of the classical world through the tragic play 'Oedipus Rex'. Through the eyes of Oedipus, we explore the importance of leadership and the threads of fate and the power the gods have over society.

Mythology
The social issue of the role of men and women in society. For Greek men, pederasty and the social acceptance of such relationships. For Greek women, their need to be child bearers and keepers of the home. This social construct conflicts with the followers of Dionysus and the ideology of the Sophists.

Art and Architecture - The relationship between form and function: is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Students could explore the concept of art and aesthetics by generating focusing questions based on art historical criteria, for example, design and style, form and function, and viewer response.

Course Overview

Term 1
Greek Mythology - What are myths and what purpose do they have? How did the world come into being according to the Greeks? What were the roles and responsibilities of the Olympian gods? What are some similarities and differences between Greek and Maori mythologies?
Internal assessments : Zeus, the Olympians and other lesser deities. This is an internal assessment topic.

Sophocles' 'Oedipus Rex' Reading and listening to the poem. Looking particularly at themes and messages for the Greek audience. We also consider literary devices and techniques used by Sophocles

Term 2
Oedipus Rex continues...
The social issue of the role of men and women in society. For Greek men, pederasty and the social acceptance of such relationships. For Greek women, their need to be child bearers and keepers of the home. This social construct conflicts with the followers of Dionysus and the ideology of the Sophists. This is an internal assessment topic.

Term 3
Art and Architecture - The relationship between form and function: is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Students could explore the concept of art and aesthetics by generating focusing questions based on art historical criteria, for example, design and style, form and function, and viewer response.

Term 4
Preparation for the external exams

Learning Areas:

Year 11 (NCEA Level 1), Social Sciences - Tikanga ā Iwi

Assessment Information

91918