We at Chambers Tutoring are thrilled to be able to offer 1-2-1 Classical Studies tutoring, thanks to Mr David Potter. Below, we explain a little about each subject involved in this exciting corner of the curriculum.
Latin is the basis of many European languages, and was the language of the Ancient Romans. It offers a window into the ancient world, a world in which “modern” issues like pandemics and slavery featured prominently! Latin can help anyone studying modern languages as the roots of these languages – vocabulary, grammar and spelling – can be found in Latin. But the main reason for anyone wanting to study Latin is that the subject is interesting in itself and worth studying for the historical knowledge that it offers about other civilisations. There is a perception that Latin is a difficult language. It is certainly not easy, but once the beginner can get over the basic steps, the rest begins to come naturally.
Greek is rarely taught nowadays. This is a shame as most of our European culture started in Greece – theatre, poetry, philosophy and architecture to name just a few – and the language, although not easy and written in a different alphabet, offers us the chance to study Greek life, literature and culture. Reading stories in the original language can lead to the surprising discovery that people today worry about similar issues to people in 400 BC in ancient Athens. Greek, like Latin, is often considered to be a great asset in University entrance qualifications.
Classical Studies involves the study of the civilisations of Rome and Greece without learning the language. Texts are read in English and the student can gain some idea of what a Greek tragedy was like to watch and to listen to. They can read some of Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad or Roman Love Poetry or about the conquest of Britain. Other aspects of culture are also studied – sculpture, architecture, vase paintings for example. We also take a close look at the political system of an ancient democracy like Athens or an empire like Rome with all its corruption and decadence, which shows how easy it is for “freedom” to be lost and for society to slide into tyranny and dictatorship.