Subject description

Ancient Studies is a 10-credit subject or a 20-credit subject at Stage 1 and a 20-credit subject at Stage 2. 

In Ancient Studies, students learn about the history, literature, society, and culture of ancient civilisations, which may include those of Asia–Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Western Asia/North Africa, and the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome. 

In Ancient Studies, students draw on many other fields of study. They consider the environmental, social, economic, religious, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of societies. Students also explore the ideas and innovations that shape and are shaped by societies. 

Students critically engage with texts, including literary texts, and analyse archaeological sources, and primary and secondary historical sources. Students develop the inquiry skills that enable them to challenge or confirm beliefs, attitudes, and values in the ancient world. 

Contemporary societies have a long heritage based on civilisations of the past. The study of ancient cultures, therefore, enables students to explore the universality and diversity of human experience and enhance their own cultural and intercultural understanding. 

Capabilities

The capabilities connect student learning within and across subjects in a range of contexts. 

The SACE identifies seven capabilities.

Literacy

Students extend their literacy skills as they access historical and literary content through a variety of print, oral, visual, spatial, and electronic forms. These include inscriptions, reliefs, accounts of the past by ancient writers, photographs, films, artefacts, sites, and archived material. Students interpret and extrapolate meaning from a variety of sources to identify and consider historical and literary evidence. Students analyse and evaluate texts for authority, reliability, relevance, and accuracy. They analyse the stylistic features of ancient texts and in response create a range of texts to explore, discuss, explain, and argue a point of view, selecting and employing appropriate text structure and language. 

Numeracy

Students extend their numeracy skills through the historical inquiry process, which requires them to recognise patterns and relationships chronologically and spatially through the use of scaled timelines and maps. Students may support their views with data, some of which are numerical in nature. 

Information and communication technology (ICT) capability

Through the inquiry process students extend their information and communication technology (ICT) capability, particularly in relation to investigation, analysis, and communication. They investigate digital evidence available via websites, and the interpretations and representations of the past that are conveyed. This includes examining how and why such websites are constructed. Students develop an understanding of the issues involved in the use of ICT when practising ethical scholarship as part of the inquiry process in Ancient Studies.

Critical and creative thinking

Critical and creative thinking is integral to the inquiry process. Students consider the implications of any missing or questionable information in their investigation of topics. They pose questions, and interrogate, select, and cross-reference sources. They develop interpretations based on an assessment of the evidence and reasoning. Students identify possible bias in their own interpretations, and analyse, evaluate, and synthesise alternative interpretations and representations of the past. 

Personal and social capability 

Through the study of individuals and groups in the past, and the impact of ideas and innovations that emerged from the ancient world, students develop an appreciation of the perspectives and experiences of others, including the complexities of societies and how they function. Students develop increasing social awareness through the study of relationships between individuals and diverse social groups in the ancient world. They enhance their personal and social capability through working collaboratively and communicating ideas and arguments appropriate to purpose and audience. 

Ethical understanding

Students apply and extend their ethical understanding as they explore, understand, and compare the diverse perspectives and circumstances that shaped the actions and possible motivations of people in the past. They explore the beliefs, attitudes, values, and principles that form the basis of judgments and actions of people in the past, in ancient societies and among those who explore and study them. Students consider safe and ethical research processes, including respecting the rights and work of others, and acknowledging sources. 

Intercultural understanding

Intercultural understanding is central to learning about ancient societies. Students extend their knowledge of culturally diverse perspectives and roles, and learn how these can change over time. They develop an understanding of the diverse societies and cultures of the ancient world and how different ways of life provide a frame of reference for recognising and appreciating intercultural diversity in the contemporary world. They also explore different ideas and contexts, and the influence of ancient societies on other societies, including in the contemporary world. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures, and perspectives

In partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and schools and school sectors, the SACE Board of South Australia supports the development of high-quality learning and assessment design that respects the diverse knowledge, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous Australians.

The SACE Board encourages teachers to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives in the design, delivery, and assessment of teaching and learning programs by:

• providing opportunities in SACE subjects for students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences
• recognising and respecting the significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian society
• drawing students’ attention to the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives from the past and the present
• promoting the use of culturally appropriate protocols when engaging with and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.  

Learning requirements

The learning requirements summarise the knowledge, skills, and understanding that students are expected to develop and demonstrate through learning in Stage 1 Ancient Studies.

In this subject, students are expected to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature of historical and/or archaeological evidence
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of texts, artefacts, ideas, events, and/or people
3. understand life in the ancient world, including beliefs, attitudes, and/or values
4. apply inquiry skills to analyse and evaluate sources and perspectives, and synthesise evidence
5. research and understand the ideas and innovations that emerged from the ancient world, and consider their influence
6. communicate ideas and arguments, using subject-specific language. 

Content

In Stage 1 Ancient Studies, students investigate how the ancient world is, and has been, represented. They apply their inquiry skills to research and analyse primary and secondary sources and perspectives.

Students explore the ancient world by examining the differing ways in which it has been interpreted and represented from ancient to modern times. They consider the authentication, preservation, ownership, and/or display of material and artefacts from the ancient world.

Students investigate how people lived in the ancient world by examining evidence of the social, political, cultural, and/or economic institutions and structures. They explore the influence of some of the ideas and innovations that emerged from the ancient world.

Ancient Studies is a 10-credit subject or a 20-credit subject at Stage 1.

For a 10-credit subject, students explore two ancient societies or cultures. They study an aspect of the compulsory Topic 1: Understanding Ancient History and at least two additional topics in the context of the selected societies or cultures.

For a 20-credit subject, students explore four ancient societies or cultures. They study aspects of the compulsory Topic 1: Understanding Ancient History and at least four additional topics in the context of the selected societies or cultures.

The inquiry skills, societies and cultures for study, and topics are detailed in the following pages.

Inquiry skills

The following are integral to the teaching of inquiry skills in Ancient Studies.

Students:

• research historical and/or archaeological materials and select information on the basis of relevance
• evaluate the authenticity, origin, reliability, usefulness, limitations, and contestable nature of sources
• analyse and synthesise evidence from different types of sources to develop an informed argument
• pose hypotheses and/or ask focusing questions to guide inquiry and to develop a coherent plan for inquiry
• analyse texts to place events in their historical and/or literary context and appreciate that the past can be explained through a variety of narratives and perspectives
• evaluate differing perspectives on the past to understand the contestable nature of historical and/or archaeological knowledge and to draw reasoned conclusions
• analyse evidence of the historical concepts of evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, interpretations, and contestability
• communicate ideas and arguments appropriate to context, purpose, and audience
• examine and explain the contributions of past civilisations to contemporary cultural understandings and perspectives
• analyse how texts have been adapted for modern audiences in representing the past through creative works, such as film, novels, drama, visual arts, music, fiction, poetry, video games, web pages, and other texts
• practise ethical scholarship, including use of appropriate referencing techniques.

Ancient societies and cultures for study

For Stage 1 Ancient Studies, teachers can select societies and cultures for study from the following table or they can choose other ancient societies or cultures for study. Teachers should select content according to student interest, resources, and teacher expertise, and should select content for study in Stage 1 that is different from what will be studied in Stage 2 Ancient Studies. 

Topics

This subject has one compulsory topic and five additional topics.

Compulsory topic

• Topic 1: Understanding ancient history.

Additional topics

• Topic 2: Art, architecture, and technology
• Topic 3: Warfare and conquest 
• Topic 4: Social structures, slavery, and everyday life 
• Topic 5: Beliefs, rituals, and mythology 
• Topic 6: Creative representations.

More details of the six topics follow.

Topic 1: Understanding ancient history

This topic has three aspects discussed below. Students study one or more aspects in the context of one or more ancient societies or cultures, in order to develop their knowledge and understanding of the nature of historical and/or archaeological evidence.

Historical authentication and reliability

Students explore how historical and/or archaeological evidence from the ancient world has been variously lost, destroyed, and rediscovered. They consider issues in establishing authenticity, including the identification and origin of artefacts, human remains, and documents, as well as investigating methods of authentication, such as scientific and comparative dating techniques. Students examine sources that have been deemed to be forgeries, and the difficulties of authentication associated with these. They consider the reliability and bias of ancient writers and recorders, and of later historians and archaeologists.

Preservation, conservation, and/or reconstruction of ancient sites and artefacts

Students interpret and analyse the nature of ancient sites, including the condition and extent of the remains and issues of conservation and preservation, such as environmental hazards, war, terrorism, tourism, pillaging, and poverty, which threaten the survival of ancient sites. Studies could include investigating the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods used to preserve, conserve, and/or reconstruct sites, including relevant national or international charters or conventions, such as those of UNESCO, to protect ancient sites of World Heritage significance. Studies could include examining reconstructions, including paintings, historical fiction, film, documentaries, museum displays, and virtual models, for their appropriateness.

Cultural heritage, ownership, and/or the role of museums

Students consider the contribution of museums to our understanding of ancient life and questions of whose past is represented in public exhibitions. A key ethical question concerns the role of museums in acquiring, preserving, and storing artefacts, human remains, and cultural materials. Studies could include exploring how museums help us to understand ancient life and times, the social status of individuals, the beliefs and practices of the society, the health of ancient populations, and the nature of the environment. Students examine ethical issues such as arguments for and against the return of human remains and/or cultural property to their original homes, the nature and impact of looting, and the illegal trade of antiquities.

Topic 2: Art, architecture, and technology

Students explore what the material culture tells us about an ancient society and consider the development of art, architecture, and technology, and the influence of this on contemporary culture. Central to this study are the main features, materials, purposes, and functions of various forms of art, architecture, and technology; the spread of these in the ancient world through trade; the movement of peoples; conquest; and the importance and ethics of preserving ancient architecture. Studies could include considering technological achievements such as construction materials and methods related to buildings, structures, and statues, and their impact on the household and economic life, for example, metallurgy, pottery, surgical tools, transport, water supply, and sanitation. Students explore the use of technology in ancient times to access resources and control the environment, and the impact of technological innovations on social, economic, and political developments and their legacy.

Topic 3: Warfare and conquest

Students identify and explore the political, economic, and social impact of warfare, conquest, and the military. They consider one or more military encounters in the ancient world, including the composition and role of armies and navies, changes in weaponry and military tactics, the life of soldiers and their training, and the conditions of service. Studies could include examining how ancient strategies are reflected in modern military strategy and the influence of ancient warfare on contemporary popular culture.

Topic 4: Social structures, slavery, and everyday life

Students study family life, including daily life and leisure activities, such as sports and pastimes. They explore different concepts of the family, including the purposes of marriage and divorce, and the construction of gender roles. They consider the roles and relationships within the family, concepts of childhood, and childhood experiences, including education and rites of passage. Studies could include investigating various occupations and professions within ancient societies. For societies with slaves, the origins of slavery and the treatment of slaves could be studied. Students could also explore the economic and political impacts of slavery, the status of slaves, the relationships of slaves with slaveowners, and revolts and uprisings in the history of slavery.

Topic 5: Beliefs, rituals, and mythology

Students study the influence and significance of beliefs and rituals within ancient societies, such as those about death and afterlife concepts and funerary practices, including burial sites and forms of burial. They explore ceremonies and their relationship to religious beliefs and social status, and the influence of beliefs, rituals, and mythology on contemporary popular culture. Students could also examine creation, hero, and quest myths. They could, for example, explore the challenges undertaken by male characters, and contrast these with the ambiguous roles sometimes assigned to women in myths. Studies could include investigating the role of cults in religious life.

Topic 6: Creative representations

Students study one or more texts from or about an ancient culture. These may be extracts or complete texts, or representations and interpretations in contemporary texts. They may consider the purposes of the creative arts in ancient societies such as in education, entertainment, and political functions. Students explore poetry, drama, fiction, film, or media texts to enrich their understanding of the ancient world. This could include exploring how the contemporary media have appropriated historical narratives as entertainment for popular audiences. Through critical analysis and reflection, students investigate aspects of texts, such as the construction of characters, the exploration of gender and power, genre and setting, and the historical accuracy of the representation. They may consider narrative, thematic, and stylistic features. 

Evidence of learning

Assessment at Stage 1 is school based.

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 1 Ancient Studies:

• Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications
• Assessment Type 2: Inquiry.

For a 10-credit subject, students should provide evidence of their learning through four assessments, with at least two skills and applications tasks and at least one inquiry. Each assessment type should have a weighting of at least 20%.

For a 20-credit subject, students should provide evidence of their learning through eight assessments, with at least four skills and applications tasks and at least two inquiries. Each assessment type should have a weighting of at least 20%.

Assessment design criteria

The assessment design criteria are based on the learning requirements and are used by teachers to:

• clarify for students what they need to learn
• design opportunities for students to provide evidence of their learning at the highest level of achievement.

The assessment design criteria are the specific features that:

• students need to demonstrate in their evidence of learning
• teachers look for as evidence that students have met the learning requirements.

For this subject, the assessment design criteria are:

• knowledge and understanding
• research and analysis
• application.

The specific features of these criteria are described below.

The set of assessments, as a whole, must give students opportunities to demonstrate each of the specific features by the completion of study of the subject.

Knowledge and Understanding 

The specific features are as follows:

Research and Analysis 

The specific features are as follows:

Application 

The specific features are as follows:

School assessment

The school assessment component for Stage 1 consists of two assessment types:

• Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications
• Assessment Type 2: Inquiry.

Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications

Students produce two or three skills and applications tasks for a 10-credit subject and between four and six skills and applications tasks for a 20-credit subject.

Students should use a variety of forms to present evidence of their learning.

Students demonstrate their inquiry skills and research selected ideas, individuals, groups, institutions, social systems, events, and/or artefacts of the ancient world. They apply their skills and knowledge to convey understanding of the topics of study, and to recognise and reflect on the diversity of beliefs, attitudes, and values throughout the ancient world.

At least one task should enable students to research into and understand the ideas and innovations that emerged from the ancient world, and consider their influence.

Students may work individually or collaboratively, depending on the particular assessment negotiated. When working as part of a group, students identify and record their individual contribution.

An individual or group task could include, for example:

• a narrative
• an analytical report on a visit to an archaeological site
• a critical review of historical fiction or a documentary film
• a script for a radio program (spoken or written)
• a multimedia presentation
• a scripted role-play
• an interview with a historical figure
• a debate
• an essay
• a virtual or constructed archaeological dig
• an analysis of a contemporary representation
• a source analysis using a variety of primary and secondary sources, which could include literature, pottery, inscriptions, architecture, painting, sculpture, archeological sites, or documents.

A skills and applications task should be a maximum of 800 words if written or a maximum of 5 minutes for an oral presentation, or the equivalent in multimodal form.

For this assessment type, students provide evidence of their learning in relation to the following assessment design criteria:

• knowledge and understanding
• research and analysis
• application.

Assessment Type 2: Inquiry

Students complete one or two inquiries for a 10-credit subject and between two and four inquiries for a 20-credit subject.

The focus of an inquiry may be chosen by the teacher or negotiated by the student. The inquiry could be an extension of the material covered in class, or a study of an aspect of a different ancient society or culture.

The inquiry must enable students to:

• investigate an aspect of an ancient society or culture
• select appropriate sources and evidence by considering their authenticity, relevance, reliability, bias, audience, and context
• apply inquiry skills to analyse and synthesise evidence
• argue an informed and persuasive point of view about an idea, innovation, event, person, or aspect of life from the selected society or culture
• communicate findings in an appropriate form, taking into account the context, purpose, and audience
• appropriately acknowledge sources.

Students may negotiate with their teacher the form of their inquiry; it may be multimodal, oral, or written.

An inquiry should be a maximum of 1000 words if written or a maximum of 6 minutes for oral presentation, or the equivalent in multimodal form.

For this assessment type, students provide evidence of their learning in relation to the following assessment design criteria:

• knowledge and understanding
• research and analysis
• application.

Performance standards

The performance standards describe five levels of achievement, A to E.

Each level of achievement describes the knowledge, skills, and understanding that teachers refer to in deciding how well students have demonstrated their learning on the basis of the evidence provided.

During the teaching and learning program the teacher gives students feedback on their learning, with reference to the performance standards.

At the student’s completion of study of a subject, the teacher makes a decision about the quality of the student’s learning by:

• referring to the performance standards
• taking into account the weighting of each assessment type
• assigning a subject grade between A and E.

Performance standards

Stage 1 performance standards for Ancient Studies can be viewed below. You can also download in Word format [DOC 323KB].

To learn more about what performance standards are, how they are used, and other general information, see performance standards and grades. 

Subject changes

Any changes to this subject will be recorded here.