Classical Civilisation — OCR A-Level Specification
Complete OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation specification with 64 topics, learning objectives, exam tips, and revision resources on MasteryMind.
Topics in OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation
- The World of the Hero (Component)
- Homer's Iliad (option: study this OR Homer's Odyssey)
- Literary techniques and composition
- The heroic world: characterisation and themes
- The social, cultural and religious context
- Homer's Odyssey (option: study this OR Homer's Iliad)
- Virgil's Aeneid (compulsory)
- Historical and political background
- Greek Theatre (Component)
- Drama and the theatre in ancient Athenian society
- Nature of tragedy
- Nature of (old) comedy
- Literary techniques, structure, and dramatic conventions
- Social, political and religious themes in tragedy
- Social, political and religious themes in comedy
- Imperial Image (Component)
Exam Tips
- Ensure equal depth of study for both the chosen Homeric epic and Virgil’s Aeneid.
- Practice responding to stimulus passages by directly referencing the provided text.
- Develop a bank of secondary scholars and academic views to integrate into essay arguments.
- Focus on the 'how' and 'why' of literary techniques rather than just identifying them.
- Use the full 2 hours and 30 minutes effectively, allocating time according to the mark tariff of each question.
- Ensure equal depth of study for both the Homeric epic and the Aeneid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use secondary sources or academic views in 30-mark essay responses.
- Neglecting the social, historical, and cultural context of the texts.
- Focusing only on plot summary rather than critical analysis and evaluation.
- Failing to address the specific requirements of the question (e.g., ignoring a stimulus passage).
- Lack of balance in depth of study between the Homeric text and the Aeneid.