AAH3220 - Alexander the Great and his world

Leader(s): Dr Gillian Bowen and Dr Andrea Di Castro

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

Alexander the Great is an enigmatic figure whose conquests transformed the eastern Mediterranean world. This unit attempts to come to an understanding of Alexander, his campaigns against the Persians, his successes and failures, the machinations of his generals following his death, and the new world order that ensued. It will explore the myths that surrounded Alexander and the way in which he was emulated by the Roman emperors. His cultural ideology was the basis of Hellenism, the major facets of which will be examined.

Objectives

On successful completion of the unit, students will have:

1. Gained an understanding of historiographic traditions concerning Alexander the Great.
2. Acquired an understanding of the importance of the non-literary sources for the period: coins, art, architecture, epigraphy.
3. Examined the impact of Alexander's conquest and subsequent policies for the entire eastern Mediterranean world.
4. Gained an understanding of the nature of the emerging Hellenistic kingdoms.
5. Acquired the ability to use and assess critically a variety of ancient sources.
6. Acquired critical and analytical skills in dealing with a variety of primary, secondary and tertiary sources.
7. Acquired communication and collaborative skills through group tutorial presentations.

Assessment

2 tests: 30%
tutorial presentation/participation: 20%
written work: 50% (2500 words)

Contact hours

12 x 90 minute lectures and 12 x 1 hour tutorials

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Archaeology & Ancient History or permission.

Prohibitions

AAH3220