Why study Classical Studies?

Classical Studies develops your knowledge and understanding of classical Greek and Roman civilisations by comparing these societies with the modern world. You will use investigating and analysing skills to understand, explain and link the classical and modern worlds.

Classical Studies also provides you with a useful background for work such as comparative literary studies, classical languages, archaeology, medieval studies and European studies.

What do I need to get in?

This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:

• Higher Classical Studies

What will I study?

The course comprises four optional areas of study. You will choose one area of study from:

History and historiography

Topics covered may include:

• the role of history-writing and the aims and methods of writers of history in the classical world
• attitudes to evidence, selection and arrangement of material, including the use of set speeches
• the relationship of myth and legend to history
• uses of history, for example, as a moral example or as a political argument
• the consequences of historical bias and causation.

Individual and community

Topics covered may include:

• ideas expressed in the classical world concerning the individual and community
• the organisation of the community and the place of the individual within it
• the relationship of the weak and the powerful
• the moral obligations of the individual in society
• the necessity for social organisation.

Heroes and heroism

Topics covered may include:

• the qualities which characterise heroism in the classical world
• morality and the hero
• the changing nature of heroism
• Greek and Roman views of heroism
• the hero as role model
• the hero and women
• heroes and anti-heroes.

Comedy, satire and society

Topics covered may include:

• the nature and limitations of the commentary on society provided by Athenian Old Comedy and Roman Satire
• literary conventions of comedy and satire
• politics and war
• social and political ambition and the corruption of relationships
• plain living versus luxury
• relationships and changing values between the sexes
• quest for peace of mind.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment consists of two components totalling 150 marks:

• Component 1 - Question paper (100 marks)
• Component 2 - Project: Dissertation (50 marks).

For Component 2, you will research, analyse and make comparisons between the classical and modern worlds within the context of a complex classical studies issue.

Both the question papers and the project are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

SQA Past Papers Classical Studies Advanced Higher
SQA Specimen Classical Studies Advanced Higher Question Paper
 

What can I go on to next?

Further study, training or employment in:

• Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
• Information, Culture and Heritage

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Classical Studies - Related Careers