Shrewsbury School - Academic Perspectives

French - Francophile Horizons -
Exploring Language, Culture,
and Literature
The AP course offered by the French Faculty is
suitable for students studying A Level French.
During the course participants will be given an
insight into interesting aspects of French language,
culture and society. Areas of study include:
The use of conversational French language.
Key principles and values that underpin French
society.
Throughout the course it is hoped that participants
will develop their French language skills, with a
focus on speaking in particular. The course is an
excellent choice for those looking to extend their
knowledge and interests beyond the A Level course.
Length of course: One term.
Course requirements: French A Level
Literary study of influential authors, poets and
playwrights in French literature.
Classics - Classical Reception
and Historical Background
to Literature
The first course offered by the Classics Faculty, titled Classical Reception, will run during Michaelmas Term.
Pupils will be invited to choose their favourite examples of classical mythology (the labours of Heracles or the myth
of the Medusa Gorgon and Perseus, for example). They will research these stories in depth, and then identify works
of art (pictures, drawings & sculptures) from the Renaissance onwards through to the present day which depict
these stories. They will assess these works for their accuracy, interpretation, artistic merit and cultural significance
and will present their findings visually to the rest of the class.
The Lent Term course, Historical Background to Literature, will complement our A
Level courses which focus on literature and language. It will allow pupils to investigate,
research and present the political, cultural, and domestic backdrop to works such as
Ovid’s love poetry or Virgil’s patriotic epic The Aeneid. Pupils may choose to look at the
civil wars between Julius Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius, and Caesar’s avengers,
Marc Antony and Octavian; or they could research and present on the structure and
organisation of the Roman Army which was key to the expansion of the Empire.
Length of course: One term.
Course requirements: None, this course is open to all students.