Classical Studies is a very interesting and varied course. It may be the only opportunity you have of studying ancient culture in any detail. Pupils, who like English and History, will definitely enjoy this subject. It also offers another dimension to your education – you learn about a culture and civilisation that has contributed to modern culture, law, politics etc.

Leaving Certificate Classical Studies Syllabus

Classical Studies has been a leaving Certificate subject for 20 years. Students taking this subject, broadly speaking, study about the culture, lifestyle, and world of Ancient Greece and Rome. There are four topics on the course:

Alexander the Great 354-323 BC

The campaigns of Alexander against the Persian King Darius, and his exploits in India are particularly focused on. As well as this, students get an insight to his personality, his gifts and a commander and the relationship he has with his Generals and Parents, (Philip and Olympias).

Roman Art and Architecture

Students learn about the mastery of Roman art and buildings. Topics studied include: – city planning, bridge building, roman sculpture and triumphal arch construction, design of aqueducts, theatres and the coliseum. Techniques of Roman fresco painting on the walls of Pompeii and Herculaneum are also studies in detail.

Ancient Epic

Here students read the Odyssey. This is a story of Odysseus, (a Greek general who fought at Troy - he came up with the idea of the Trojan horse, leading to the fall of the city) – the story tells of his 10-year journey home to his native Greece, (with his men), after the battle of Troy. Along the way he experiences many adventures, including a bust up with the one-eyed monster, the Cyclops.

Greek Tragedy

Students study several short dramas from Ancient Greece. Students read plays such as “Medea” – this is a tragedy where a mother kills her two sons and must live with the consequences. Students also read the most famous tragedy from the ancient world – “Oedipus the King” – this is a story of how Oedipus kills his own father, although he tries to avoid doing so, thus fulfilling the curse put on him at birth.

Careers

Students thinking about doing Classical Studies, might be interested to know that this subject, like History or English benefits anybody interested in the following career areas: journalism, research, arts degree, political science, law, library studies, drama or film studies, etc