Classical Greek and Roman Studies

Nature of the Subject

Classical Greek and Roman Studies is a standard-level subject that introduces students to the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and, through these, to a wider study of individuals and societies. Students explore different kinds of evidence for these two cultures: the literary record, thought to be representative of the best of the creative and political achievements of these societies, as well as an archaeological record that is often suggestive of wider contexts for investigation. Students evaluate these records through the filters of modern critical frameworks as well as through their own personal viewpoints (both of which will inevitably reflect contemporary outlooks) together with their own cultural filters, and they are encouraged to examine and develop an awareness of how judgments on the past may be affected by these factors.

Through studying primary sources, students are encouraged to reflect on the nature of selection and partiality in the recording and survival of evidence - the different value judgements made about what gets recorded and what is allowed to disappear - and in its interpretation. In this way they gain an appreciation of the challenge of reconstructing a coherent and meaningful past, and of the extent to which historical and cultural understanding might be shaped by the style and choice of material represented in a range of genres. These genres create powerful knowledge frameworks, many of which were largely invented, or substantially developed, in ancient Greece and Rome. The study of these frameworks helps us to interpret those individuals and societies who have come under their influence since those times, and allows for rich comparisons and contrasts with very different cultural traditions, past and present, in the global community. Finally, it sharpens the student’s awareness of modern persuasive practices in a world of proliferating knowledge claims.

In this way Classical Geek and Roman Studies recognizes and encourages a coming together of students in their contemporary world and the production of knowledge in the particular past they explore. They are assessed on their ability to interpret the meanings and motivations generated by the individuals and societies of ancient Greece and Rome as they challenged or were challenged by the social, political and cultural conventions of their time.

In addition, students undertake an individual assignment in an area of their choice related to Classical Geek and Roman studies, which may directly reflect their own interests and/or cultural background. This assignment enables students to make self-directed choices of selection and independent evaluation of source material based on ancient Greece and Rome.