Advanced Ancient History, Topic 2 p.m.

Service Description

Ideal for students who want to gain a deeper and more complex understanding of Greek and Roman history. This course will prepare students for the next level of study, refining their knowledge of the subject and developing critical thinking and analytical skills along the way. This topic will introduce students to some of the writing of CICERO, whose letters and speeches give us a fascinating insight into the end of the Roman Republic. Witness to power struggles, corruption, violence and assassination, reading Cicero gives us a first-hand insight into 1st Century BC Rome like no other. This is a 30-week course, but you can sign up for 6 weeks at a time, or only to a single 6-week block if you prefer. Each 6-week block of classes will explore one large topic, and include discussion and debate, as well as recommended reading to do between sessions. In this way students can develop their research and analysis skills as well as their knowledge of the subject area. There will be optional written work for each topic, which helps students to continue their exploration of the topic independently, as well as sharpening their writing skills. This course aims to support students working at GCSE+ level. Students working outside the traditional UK system can use this course to earn high school credit by fulfilling (optional) coursework. This will include reading and short pieces of written work. The group will be limited to 6 students to ensure opportunities for rich discussion and to enable adequate support and feedback for each student. Topic 2: CICERO and the end of the Roman Republic 1. Cicero and his world: Rome at the end of the Republic 2. The genius of Cicero’s speeches: analysis 3. Against corruption and extortion 4. Political ambitions and factions 5 Against Mark Antony 6. Debate: cross-examination of Cicero!