International A Level Classical Studies Course

Cambridge Specification: 2025, 2026 & 2027

International A Level Classical Studies

Cambridge Course Code: 9274

Cambridge Exams: November Only

Cambridge Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

Classical Studies develops a set of transferable skills. The multidisciplinary nature of Classical Studies combines different areas of study such as literature, history of art and history and leads to a greater understanding of the relationship between different intellectual disciplines, encouraging learners to make connections between them.

How will I benefit from the International A Level Classical Studies Cambridge course?

The aims of the course are to:

• provide students with an understanding of Greek and Roman civilisation, and to encourage an appreciation of the Classical world
• enable students to understand the core foundations of Western traditions of architecture, art, history, literature, and political thought – traditions which have had major influences on the shape of the modern world
• develop students’ awareness of diversity in civilisations by understanding cultures, values and assumptions, which are different from contemporary views
• encourage students to develop a personal response to a range of material from the Greek and Roman world

Key concepts

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Classical Studies are:

Interpretation

Our knowledge of the Classical world is based on interpreting the materials that have been left to us. Students will consider the different ways that a source can be interpreted and how the Classical world has been subsequently reconstructed and presented by historians and classicists.

Judgement

The study of the Classical world involves forming opinions based on the evidence that has come down to us. Students will consider the value of different source material, studying the differing depictions of the same subject matter and learning to make an overall judgement.

Significance

The importance attached to an event, individual or entity in the past, whether at the time or subsequent to it. Students will study societies, literature and people in the context of their own time and their legacy in today’s world.

Context

Artefacts and literature can only be fully understood by placing them in their social and historical setting and considering the context of the society in which they were produced.

Similarity and Difference

The similarities and differences between not only different cultures within the Classical world and our own but also between people, events and situations.

Intention

The study of the Classical world involves a wide range of material. Considering the reasons behind its creation is crucial to understanding the significance and potential bias inherent in the evidence.

Cambridge Classical Studies Content Overview

IAS Level Topics (Year 1)

Unit 1 – Greek Civilisation

Alexander the Great

Learners will study a selection of biographical works and other sources on Alexander the Great with particular reference to his:

• family, childhood and upbringing
• campaigns and travels
• military achievements and the reasons for them
• rule of his empire and Persian influences on Alexander
• relationships with others
• attitude towards religion and mythology
• personal and imperial legacy.

Unit 2 – Roman Civilisation

Augustus

Learners will study a selection of biographical works and other sources on Augustus with particular reference to his:

• rise to power
• consolidation of power
• relationships with the Senate, including provincial administration
• foreign and frontier policy
• attitude towards religion and his use of religious imagery
• social legislation
• dealings with his family and his desire for a successor
• concern for his reputation and use of propaganda
• legacy and importance.

OR

Virgil’s Aeneid

This topic will develop candidates’ literary analysis and appreciation skills, requiring them to offer critical analysis and personal response to the literary achievements of Virgil. This will include the religious, cultural and social values portrayed in the text and the historical and political context of when it was written.

Learners will study a selection of Books from Virgil’s Aeneid:

Aeneid: Books 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12

IA2 Level Topics (Year 2)

Unit 3 – Classical History

Athens and Sparta

Learners will study a selection of historical, biographical and other sources on Athens and Sparta with particular reference to:

• the roles of men, women and non-citizens in Athens and Sparta
• political systems, functions of different groups within these systems and the influence of individuals on events
• the reasons for, impacts and outcomes of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars
• alliances with other states
• relationships between the state and outsiders.

Unit 4 – Greek Literature

Homeric Epic 

This topic provides students with the opportunity to study both of the epic poems of Homer. Learners will be expected to have an understanding of the historical and mythological background of the poems.

This topic will develop learner’s literary analysis and appreciation skills, requiring them to offer critical analysis and personal response to the literary achievements of Homer and the religious, cultural and social values portrayed in the poems.

Learners study a selection of Books from the epic poems of Homer:

Iliad: Books 1, 3, 6, 9, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24

Odyssey:  Books 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 19, 21, 22, 23