Higher Classical Studies
This is a one year course for Senior year pupils leading to Higher Classical Studies in a Social Subject. It does not involve the study of Latin and Greek language and is similar to History and Modern Studies.
Paper I - 3 hr paper
- Power and Freedom - 2 essays and short questions
Themes:
- The Greek invention of the concepts of freedom/slavery. The origin of the family and the state.
- The nature of democracy, oligarchy, tyranny and republican government.
- Slavery; the concept of freedom.
- The class system and political elites.
- The nature of Athenian and Roman imperialism.
- Slave revolts and class struggles.
- Government, administration, taxation and law. The concept of property.
- The role, suppression and struggles of women.
- Comparisons with other, particularly modern societies.
- Greek and Roman Drama (studied from a social rather than an artistic viewpoint) - 1 essay
- Sophocles: "Antigone". A Greek Tragedy. Antigone defies her uncle, tyrant of Thebes, with tragic consequences.
- Aristophanes: "Lysistrata". A Greek comedy. The women of Athens, tired of the long war between Athens and Sparta, go on a sex strike!
- Euripides: Medea: Abandoned by her husband for another woman, Medea exacts a terrible revenge.