Y13: A2 Classics Module 6- ‘Socrates and Athens’
Introduction to the Coursework Assignment


General- content and presentation
· Assignments at A2 should be 2,500 – 3,000 words long.
· The purpose of the assignment is to test your ability to :
-assemble and make use of information from books and other sources;
-demonstrate understanding of the material by analysing and evaluating it;
-write a well-argued and coherent account of the aspect(s) of the topic chosen, showing evidence for judgements and conclusions.
· Coursework must contain appendices including the following information:
-a bibliography providing details of all books, articles, etc. consulted
-a list of any places visited in connection with the assignment
-the names of all persons consulted, with an indication of the help received
from them.
· All direct quotations, from any source, must be enclosed in quotation
marks and accompanied by a reference to the source.
· Coursework should be typed, double-spaced on one side of A4, 12 point,
secured in the corner with one treasury tag.

Socrates and Athens- coursework content

The assignment should be a study of the life, death and philosophical significance of Socrates.
Candidates will be required to study a significant aspect or aspects of Plato, Euthyphro, Crito and Apology (all in The Last Days of Socrates)
Candidates will be required to demonstrate, as appropriate to their chosen area of study, knowledge of:
Biography-the life, trial, sentence and death of Socrates.
Biography and thought-Socrates’ principles and assumptions
Philosophical method and meaning-the literary form, philosophical methods and significance of the texts
Context-the Sophists and the intellectual, religious, political, social and cultural context of Socrates’ life.

The drafting process- get help, use help, fly!

· The specifications say, “It is expected that the teacher will wish to give advice and assistance to the candidates (in some cases more than others);”
· You need to assemble information and then structure it so you have an informed argument- if you just quote you’re not demonstrating thought and if you just argue you’re not demonstrating knowledge.



· This is what you’ll need help with getting right- don’t expect me to do the work for you, expect me to help you do the work.
· Ways of contacting me:
-I’m in L7 most of the time.
-Use my web-log: http://lightingfools.blogspot.com/ This is filtered in school but you can access it at home.
-Direct by email- ask me for my address!




Titles

· The titles which candidates choose for their assignments should be in the form of a direct question which requires them to present an analytical argument and reasoned conclusion.
· Examples:

To what extent was Socrates’ trial, verdict and death justified?

In Plato’s Crito, is there a valid ‘agreement’ between Socrates and the City Of Athens, as Socrates claims? To what extent would such an agreement justify Socrates’ decision?

What is the significance of Plato’s choice of dialogue form?

To what extent might Plato’s ideas be described as totalitarian? Argue with reference to Crito.

Assessment Criteria

Your coursework will be assessed by three criteria:
-Knowledge and Understanding: 45% of the marks
-Evaluation and Analysis: 45% of the marks
-Communication: 10% of the marks



Web Resources

http://san.beck.org/Crito.html#16 (web version of the Crito)

http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/academic/digitexts/plato/crito/crito.html (good introduction to the Crito, giving ideas of the issues)

http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/crito/section1.html (good on-line study notes, although some annoying animations on the site)

http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/euthyphrodilemma.html (bit of proper
philosophy on the Euthyphro dilemma)

http://www.friesian.com/euthyph.htm (some detailed notes on the Euthyphro)

http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/ApologyPlato.html (introduction to and summary of
the Apology)

http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Article/567831 (historical context of the Apology
and links to on-line notes)