A-Level Ancient History

Course Code: OLL103
Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level

Ancient History is a fascinating subject, allowing you to gain an insight into the ancient world from the historical study of Greek and Roman civilisations.

Studying this subject at A-Level will enable you to develop critical and analytical skills that are directly transferable to University-level study and employment.

Acquire an understanding of the Greek and Roman ancient world through analysis of original sources.
Develop your own personal responses to the set texts chosen for study.
Grow to understand what constitutes good historical method.
Gain UCAS points for University applications.

Course Content

AS Level

Unit 1 - AH1 (Entry code F391): Athenian Democracy in the Fifth Century BC

The nature of historical evidence
Historical methods of analysis and evaluation
The issue of reliability
Original sources in context
Interpretation, analysis and evaluation
The nature of ancient Athenian democracy
Participation in the democratic system and the population of Attica: citizens, women, metics and slaves
The assembly and council
Ostracism: the role and function of magistrates and generals
Courts and their role in Athenian democracy
Cleisthenes, Pericles, Ephialtes and Cleon: as represented sources, and roles in rhetoric, public speaking and leadership.

Unit 2 - AH2 (Entry code F392): Britain in the Roman Empire

Roman views of pre-conquest Britain
Caesar's invasions
Celtic societies and links with Rome up to AD 43
Claudius' invasion and the early conquest period to c. AD 60 - resistance and co-operation
Boudicca's rebellion and its aftermath
Expansion north under Agricola and earlier governors of Britain
Frontier policy from Agricola to Antonius Pius and the withdrawal back to Hadrian's Wall, c. AD 160
Roman views of the British economy and society after AD 43, as represented by sources

A2 Level

Unit 3 - AH3 (Entry code F393): The Culture of Athens 449-399 BC

Candidates will be expected to use the skills they have acquired in handling the original sources at AS level and refer to these sources.

The changing intellectual climate in Athens
Sophists and Socrates
Dramatic festivals and the theatre including tragedy and comedy
Religious festivals and sanctuaries
Athenian views of themselves and non-Athenians including citizens and non-citizens, women and children
Art and architecture in their political and social contexts

Unit 4 - AH4 (Entry code F303): Ruling the Roman Empire 14-117 AD

Candidates will be expected to use the skills they have acquired in handling the original sources at AS level and refer to these sources.

Attitudes to imperial rule in the eastern and western provinces including active resistance and the maintenance of local or regional identities
The social economic effects on provinces of incorporation within the Empire including the question of 'Romanisation'
The differing image of the emperor in the eastern and western provinces including the imperial cult
The governance and administration of the Empire

Assessment

Unit 1: Written examination
Unit 2: Written examination
Unit 3: Written examination
Unit 4: Written examination

Course Duration

We provide you with a full 24 months to complete your home learning course. This is a lot more time than you need so that you can study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive course materials via an online student campus, plus tutor support for 2 years. Student logins for the online student campus will be available within 5 working days of enrolment.

PLEASE NOTE
You will receive your registration to your online learning campus and student community.

Students will need one of the following packages on your computer to access the online campus.

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above.
Mac: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above.

Qualification

On completion of the examinations for this course, you will have an A-Level in Ancient History. Specification:

OCR Advanced Subsidiary (AS) GCE in Classics: Ancient History H042
OCR Advanced (A2) GCE in Classics: Ancient History H442.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: Is this the same as an A-Level from a School or College?

Yes! You study the same syllabus, take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is adapted to be studied online from home, with expert tutor support via e-mail to keep you on track.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates, which can be obtained by visiting the OCR website. Students are required to book their examinations and arrange for the marking of their coursework themselves.

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You will preferably have a reasonable grade GCSE or "O" Level in History as the concepts in the A-Level Ancient History will require some of these skills. However, this is not always a strict requirement depending on your skills and experience.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

Study guide
Access to the online learning campus
Personal tutor support
Assignment marking and feedback
Accreditation

Q: Is there a required reading list?

There are literary and archaeological sources that students will need to read. More information on these will be included in the course materials.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above (if any) and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What do I do if I still have questions?

For further information please contact us.