Course Content

In the Classical Studies course, you learn about classical societies and how the issues of the classical world are relevant to an understanding of modern society. You’ll begin to develop your sense of identity and place in the modern world by building a framework of religious, political, social, moral or cultural knowledge and understanding. The course emphasises the development and application of skills. Through the focus on using sources, candidates develop knowledge of classical societies, contributing to citizenship. You develop transferable skills through the emphasis on investigative and critical-thinking activities, and throughout the course you progressively develop literacy skills and contribute to group work. Employers, Universities and Colleges are often looking for the skills you will develop through studying Classical Studies such as an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. Classical Studies can link to careers in journalism and the media, law, politics and the civil service, scientific research, the entertainment industry, leisure, heritage and tourist industries, teaching and many others.

Assesment

The National 4 and 5 History course consists of three units, with one topic studied in each:

Unit 1 Life in classical Greece:

This includes factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of life in 5th-century BC such as religion, citizenship, democracy, slavery, daily life, education, work, and leisure including food and dinner parties.

Unit 2 Classical literature:

This includes factual and textual knowledge and understanding of some universal ideas, themes or values in a classical text you have read, which link the classical and modern worlds.

Unit 3 Life in the Roman world:

This includes factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of life in the Roman world in relation to either Pompeii or Hadrian & Antonine’s Walls, which identifies similarities and differences between the aspects of the classical world studied and the modern world.

There is no requirement to study the Greek or Latin languages.

Assessment

The overall grade for National 5 History is based on a final exam, worth 80 marks, and an Assignment on a topic of choice, worth 20 marks. National 4 History is assessed by unit assessments and an Added Value Unit.