Overview:

This course involves the study of a small number of the many topics contained in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. It is suitable for all pupils as no previous knowledge is necessary.

It is useful for those who wish to study the subject in the Leaving Certificate.

Course Content:

The topics studied include: Greek Tragedy, where conflict, families and the power of religion are explored in Oedipus Rex and Antigone by Sophocles. Philosophy, through the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius and An Introduction to Plato’s Republic, providing an insight into the thoughts of a philosophic Roman emperor and a major Greek philosopher’s idea of a perfect state. Women in Ancient Greece, where the status of women is explored from childhood to death and pupils are invited to debate the changing role of women throughout history. Greek and Roman Poetry, through which pupils will examine the issues of the ancient world - love, hate, life, death, wealth, poverty, humour, war, etc. through the poetry of Ovid, Propertius, Theocritus, Pindar, among others. Latin for Today (or how to use latin phrases in everyday conversation and show people what a clever person you are), where pupils have classes ante meridiem et post meridiem and learn that once magister dixit, primus inter pares est and that it is not tempus ludendi. O tempora! O mores! The TY Classical Studies Play, a department-written short play in the bawdy style of the Roman comic playwright Plautus. Greece and Rome in the National Gallery of Ireland: the depiction of scenes and characters from the ancient world are examined on a visit to the gallery. The Classical World in Film: Gladiator, Troy, Alexander, Carry on Cleo, Up Pompeii give a glimpse of the many and varied ways of interpreting the ancient world.

Teaching & Learning:

Great emphasis is placed on pupil participation through discussion, debates, quizzes, pair/teamwork, pupil presentations.

Assessment:

(i) Preps are set, corrected and recorded.

(ii) Effort marks are awarded every 2 to 3 weeks.

(iii) Essays/projects are set.

(iv) The TY Classical Studies prize is awarded to the top pupil each year.