Ancient Greek - A Level
Studying Classical Greek at Lansdowne will enable you to make progress towards mastering this ancient language. You will have the opportunity to encounter some of the most highly regarded and influential authors, historians, dramatists and philosophers of the Western world including Homer, Herodotus, Plato, Sophocles and Euripides in the original. You will develop your ability to analyse literary sources and, apart from studying Classical Greek in terms of vocabulary, grammar and stylistic device, will gain a greater knowledge of classical civilisation in general through an examination of what these authors’ writings reveal about the social, cultural, political and artistic life of the Classical Greek world. You will also have the option to compose original Classical Greek prose.
The scope and quality of texts covered in the A Level includes the Homeric epics – the Iliad and the Odyssey, Plato’s Republic, Oedipus Rex, commentaries on the origins of Athenian democracy, the histories of Herodotus.
A new aspect of the specification is the opportunity to study elements of the archaeology, architecture, art, history, literature, philosophy, politics, social history and religion of the Classical Greek world. You will have the opportunity to combine a number of different options from the syllabus and have, therefore, a degree of choice regarding what you study.
The study of Classical Greek encourages the development of a range of analytic, interpretative and communication skills which will equip you for further study in this or other related fields.
What will I study on this course?
AS Units 1 and 2
Classical Greek Language. As an introduction to the demands of A Level Classical Greek you will study the works of Greek authors from the 5th and 4th century BC, expanding your vocabulary and knowledge of syntax throughout the year.
Classical Greek Verse & Prose Literature. Through an examination of passages of Homer’s Iliad and Lysias’ ‘Against Eratosthenes’, you will expand your knowledge of Classical Greek vocabulary, syntax and stylistic device, and examine what these texts reveal in terms of their reference to social and historical events.
A2 Units 3 and 4
Classical Greek Verse. Referring to passages from Euripides ‘Hippolytus’ and Aristophanes ‘Thesmophoriazusae’, you will gain a deeper understanding of the structure and style of Classical Greek verse, again making reference to what these sources reveal about the Classical Greek character and society.
Classical Greek Prose. An examination of Plato’s ‘Republic I’ and Thucydides’ ‘Book VII’ form the basis for a more in depth examination of Classical Greek prose style and a more sophisticated appreciation of stylistic device.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by seen and unseen translation papers, as well as short essay based papers – 2 in the AS year and 2 in the A2.
Who will teach me?
Peter Olive is an Oxford graduate with a particular interest in Ancient Greece and Classical Greek.
Do I need to have studied Ancient Greek before?
It would be helpful for candidates to have studied GCSE Greek, although the subject is also suitable for those with no prior knowledge of the subject.
Which subjects complement Ancient Greek?
Classical Greek combines particularly well with Classical Civilisation, Latin and Ancient History. At a broader level it sits well with academic disciplines such as Modern Languages, English Literature, History, Government and Politics, Religious Studies and Philosophy.
Which careers can Ancient Greek lead to?
Classical Greek is suitable for students planning to enter a wide range of careers such as journalism, education, law, business, advertising, the civil service, government, social services, the City, etc.