12 Classics (12CLS)
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Andrew Tebbutt, Nadene Brouwer.
12 Classics
The world of ancient Greece was a patriarchal one: men in power, women controlled.
We will explore this reality and several of the women who challenged these values. Firstly, Helen of Sparta, whom Greeks blamed for the worst war in their history. Then we consider the great LBGTQIA+ icon Sappho, who wrote some of the most beautiful love poetry in history – to other women. We analyse her poetry as she likely intended it to be read, then explore how later cultures have interpreted and understood her: Greek, Roman, medieval, nineteenth century art – and modern lesbian culture.
Finally, we study how the Greeks depicted the body in sculpture, with a special focus on the work of Praxitelles.
Topics:
- Attitudes to women in Ancient Greece
- Mythical women as monsters
- Helen of Troy and the Trojan War
- Sappho’s life and love poetry
- Sappho’s influence on and reputation in later cultures
Course Overview
Term 1
Introduction to Greek culture and mythology
Mythological women
Helen of Sparta and Paris of Troy
The abduction or elopement: causes
The Trojan War
Helen blamed
Ancient writers including Hesiod, Homer, Euripides and more.
Essay writing
A.S. 91202 v3 Classical Studies 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world 4 Credits
Due 12 April
Term 2
Optional: History standard
The significance of Helen's abduction/elopement and the Trojan War for New Zealand
A.S. 91230 v2 History 2.2 - Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders 5 Credits (OPTIONAL)
Due 14 June
Introduction to Sappho of Lesbos
Ancient Greek sexuality
Sappho's poetry
Women loving women in Archaic Greece
Sappho's family, her roles, and the gods
Essay writing
Term 3
Study of Sappho continues from term 2
Sappho's influence on later cultures: Classic Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, Nineteenth century art and society, Simeon Solomon, Twentieth century lesbian culture
Essay writing
A.S. 91204 v2 Classical Studies 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures 6 credits due
Sappho's poetry
A.S. 91200 v2 Classical Studies 2.1 - Examine ideas and values of the classical world 4 credits End of year exam
Greek depictions of the human body in sculpture: the art of Praxitelles and others
A.S. 91201 v2 Classical Studies 2.2 - Examine the significance of features of work(s) of art in the classical world 4 credits End of year exam
Term 4
Exam preparation on Sappho or sculpture
Recommended Prior Learning
Entry Requirements
10 credits in a Level 1 language-rich subject
Assessment Information
Possible CreditsExternal - 8 credits
Internal - 15 credits
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.1 - Examine ideas and values of the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.2 - Examine the significance of features of work(s) of art in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world
NZQA Info
Classical Studies 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures
NZQA Info
History 2.2 - Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders