THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES Prof. C.L. Murison

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES
Prof. C.L. Murison
Lawson Hall 3223
cmurison@uwo.ca
Classical Studies 2440A
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Autumn 2014
2 hours per week
Course Outline
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 Macedonia to supremacy in the Greek world,
Alexander’s background and upbringing, and his military campaigns, policies, plans and personality. The
reasons for differing views about him will also be explored.
The class will meet two hours per week (Tu. and Th., from 11:30 am to 12:20 pm, in the Physics
and Astronomy Building room 148) and will be conducted on a lecture/discussion basis, with PowerPoint
illustrations and maps.
Important note: the Class Website will be operational from late August/early September at
http://owl.uwo.ca (follow the links).
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 complete narrative of his reign was written
almost three hundred years after his death in 323 B.C.; 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 two 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 20 th
century; and they will understand that ancient history is not static (or “dead”), but something that has to
2
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 on Thursday, 9th October, 2014 (11:30 am to 12:20 pm). Location will be
announced later.
(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 email) 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, 13th November, 2014 (11:30 am to
12:20 pm). In regular classroom.
40%
Final Examination, covering some material from the whole course (but mostly from the second
half of the course: this will be explained in careful detail later), to be written during the December
Final Examination period. (A full description of this exam will be posted on the Course 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 and HUMANITIES: 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).
POLICY ON ACCOMMODATION FOR MEDICAL ILLNESS:
http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/accommodation_medical.pdf
[downloadable Student Medical Certificate (SMC): https:/studentservices.uwo.ca [under the Medical Documentation heading]
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.
WESTERN ACCESSIBILITY POLICY. Western has many services and programs that support the personal,
physical, social and academic needs of students with disabilities. For more information and links to these
services: http://accessibility.uwo.ca/
WESTERN SUPPORT SERVICES: Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Mental
Health @ Western http://www.uwo.ca/uwocom/mentalhealth/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain
help
3
THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL STUDIES
Prof. C.L. Murison
LH 3223
cmurison@uwo.ca
DATE
Sept.
Introduction: Alexander’s Fame
Historical background: Greece 404-359 BC
Philip of Macedon: first years as King
Philip as master of Greece; young Alexander
Sources for Alexander history
Alexander’s accession and first years
Invasion of Persian Empire (to Granicus)
2
Tu
Th
Conquest of Persian fleet by land; Issus
Egypt; visit to Siwah. Agis war in Greece
7
Tu
Gaugamela campaign
9
14
16
21
23
Th Mid-Term TEST
Tu End of Darius; war with Bessus
Th Internal problems: Philotas conspiracy; the
proskynesis issue
Tu 329-327: war in Bactria and Sogdiana
Th 327: invasion of India to Hydaspes
28
4
6
11
13
18
20
25
27
2
Tu
Tu
Th
Tu
Th
Tu
Th
Tu
Th
Tu
30
Nov.
Dec.
TOPIC
Th
Tu
Th
Tu
Th
Tu
Th
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
Oct.
Classical Studies 2440A
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Lecture Schedule: P&AB 148
Tu/Th 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Rest of Indian campaign (to Pattala)
Alexander’s march towards the West
Purges and return to Susa
Last phase of Alexander’s life
In-class Source Criticism Exercise
Major topics: Alexander and the Greeks
Major topics: Alexander and the Persians
Major topics: the Deification Question
Successors and the Hellenistic Age
Wrap-up of course
This schedule is subject to revision if necessary.
Autumn 2014
2 hours per week
Cartledge
Textbook
READINGS
C 37-56
C 66-80
C 57-66
C 81-90
C 267-287
C 91-96; 219-236
C 28-29; 41-42; 135140
C 30-31; 140-150
C 150-151; 289-294;
125-126
C 32; 151-152; 179182
Romm
Sourcebook
READINGS
R xvi-xviii
R vii-xvi
C 101; 151-154
C 97-104; 287-288
R 84-93
R 94-110
C 152; 154-156
C 104-105; 33; 182184; 207-208
C 186-188; 209
C 209-210
C 210-214
C 105-106; 214-218
R 110-113
R 114-132
C 107-133
C 135-156; 189-206
C 237-250
C 251-266
R 1-16
R xviii-xxi
R 17-32
R 33-42
R 42-56
R 56-74
R 75-83
R 133-144
R 144-148
R 149-157
R 157-173