THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES
Prof.
C.L. Murison TC
429, Ext. 89159 cmurison@uwo.ca |
Classical Studies 2902B: Special Topics in Classical
Studies |
Winter 2010 2 hours per week |
Course
Outline
ALEXANDER THE
GREAT
Alexander III of Macedon (reigned 336-323 B.C.), although only thirty-two at the time of his death, is arguably one of the most significant figures in all of recorded history. Equally, almost every aspect of his life and legacy has been the subject of intense controversy.
This half-course will consider the
rise of
The class will meet two hours per
week (Tu. and Th., 11:30 am - 12:20 pm, in TC 309) and will be conducted on a
lecture/discussion basis, with PowerPoint illustrations and maps.
Important
note: there is a Class Website, where the Schedule of Lectures and Assigned
Readings is posted, as is additional information about Policies and Procedures.
On the Lecture Schedule approximately 24 hours before each lecture is
delivered, a summary of its contents will be posted; this can be opened by clicking
on the topic for the day in question. The URL is http://publish.uwo.ca/~cmurison/cs2902b/cs2902b.htm.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES:
To
introduce students to basic methods in the detailed study of a short period of
ancient history and, particularly, to the problems raised by the nature of the
existing Alexander sources: although fragments of contemporary and near
contemporary accounts of Alexander’s life and achievements survive (though not
in great quantity), the earliest surviving narrative of his reign was written
almost three hundred years after his death; and the most important accounts
come from the second century A.D. Because the sources (written in both Greek
and Latin) differ so widely from each other, successful students in this course
have to learn the basic aspects of “source criticism” and, for this reason, one
of the course textbooks is a collection of source passages (in English
translation): readings from these are assigned for each class session, along
with excerpts from the regular textbook.
Students will have the opportunity
to develop (and display) their critical skills in a practical exercise towards
the end of the term, when they will be asked to research and then produce,
under exam conditions, their critique of “modern solutions” to one of three
major problems in Alexander studies.
COURSE
OUTCOMES:
Successful
students will have enhanced their understanding of how ancient history is practised, through familiarity with the variety of sources,
their range, and the problems they raise. From the analyses presented in class
and their own consideration of modern work (since about 1920) on the life and
reign of Alexander the Great, they will realize just how many different
accounts of Alexander have been produced, each reflecting ideas, prejudices and
fashions current during the different phases of the 20th century;
and they will understand that ancient history is not static (or “dead”), but
something that has to be rethought and recast several times in every century.
Finally, they will appreciate just how elusive this glamorous figure really is.
GRADING:
30% Class test to be written in class on
Tuesday, 9th February, 2010.
(A copy of the most recent mid-term
test will be posted on the Class Website for review purposes.)
If the test is missed for any
reason, the Instructor must be
notified (preferably by e-mail) as quickly as possible, and
certainly no later than 48 hours after the time of the test. If the test is
missed for medical reasons, afflicted students must also consult the Dean’s
Office in their home Faculty. Make-up tests on medical grounds cannot be granted by the Instructor
(see the new UWO Policy on Accommodations, below). If the test is missed
because of a personal or family crisis, please arrange to see the Instructor as
soon as possible.
30% In-class Practical Exercise on Sources and
Studies (see above on Course Objectives, second paragraph; details to follow on
Course Website): Thursday, 18th March, 2010.
40% Final Examination, covering material from
the whole course, to be written during the April Final Examination period.
(A detailed description of this exam will be posted on the Class Website
approximately one month before the end of term.)
PRESCRIBED
TEXTS:
Cartledge,
Paul Alexander the Great: The Hunt for a New Past (Vintage—paperback)
Romm,
James (editor) Alexander the Great [Translated
selections from Arrian, Diodorus,
Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius] (Hackett—paperback)
NOTE FROM THE DEAN OF ARTS: You
are responsible for ensuring that you have successfully completed all course
prerequisites and that you have not taken an antirequisite
course. Lack of prerequisites may not be
used as basis of appeal. If you are not
eligible for a course, you may be removed from it at any time, and you will
receive no adjustment to your fees.
These decisions cannot be appealed.
PLAGIARISM: Students
must write their essays and assignments in their own words. Whenever students
take an idea, or a passage of text from another
author, they must acknowledge their debt both by using quotation marks where
appropriate and by proper referencing such as footnotes or citations.
Plagiarism is a major academic offence (see Scholastic Offence Policy in the
Western Academic Calendar).
For UWO Policy on Accommodation for
Medical Illness: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/accommodation_medical.pdf
[downloadable Student Medical Certificate (SMC): http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/medicalform.pdf
] Students seeking academic accommodation on medical grounds for any missed
tests, exams and/or assignments worth 10% or more of their final grade must
apply to the Office of the Dean of their home faculty and provide
documentation. Academic accommodation
cannot be granted by the instructor or department.