Senior Seminar - Alexander the Great
Ms. Morrish
Spring, 2008
This seminar will examine the life and accomplishments of one of ancient history’s most
enigmatic figures, Alexander, King of Macedon. Dead by the age of thirty-three in 323 BC,
Alexander and his army explored and conquered an empire equaled in size and scope only by
those of Napoleon and Hitler in subsequent centuries. Since his death, the “true character” of
Alexander has remained a source of controversy and speculation. Was he the heroic, brilliant,
selfless and philosophical leader depicted by many historians, or was he the violent, drunken,
power-hungry slaughterer of innocents described in the accounts of others?
This course will examine the historical “problem” of Alexander, using both primary and
secondary sources. Using the arguments of modern historians as a starting point, we will engage
in close reading of ancient texts, looking for similarities and inconsistencies. Films will also be
part of the curriculum. Our goal will be to reach our own well-informed conclusions about this
most fascinating leader and his legacy.
I. Materials and Books
Materials
You will be using your laptop computers in this class periodically, and will need to keep a file
for this class. But there will be a paper component, too. You will need a three-hole binder to
keep track of your paper materials. We will be reading from a number of photocopied articles
and primary sources, so there must be room in your binder for these materials.
Books :
- Arrian, The Campaigns of Alexander
- Plutarch, The Age of Alexander
- Quintus Curtius Rufus, The History of Alexander
Photocopies of supplemental materials will be handed out in class.
II. Expectations and Requirements
Course Format and Attendance
This is not a lecture course. This is a seminar, which means that students will be expected to take
an active part in daily discussions and be responsible for the ideas and conclusions we reach in
these discussions. Because student participation is crucial to the success of this course,
attendance is important and will be carefully noted. There will be graded reading responses at
the beginning of each class. Each student may have two “Passes” in the course of the
semester There will be no make-up opportunities for absences or tardies on these daily
reading responses, and the combined grades for this exercise will have a significant impact
on your term grade. Please take this into account when planning your vacations and college
visits.
Assignments
Reading homework will be assigned daily, and students must be prepared to discuss the readings
actively in class after writing their daily reading responses. Graded work will include reading
quizzes, in-class essays and papers, with the possibility of tests on vocabulary, events, passage
analyses, etc.
Final Project:
In lieu of a final exam, each student will complete an independent research project which will be
chosen from a variety of topics. Topics might include movie analyses, book reviews, research
projects or other projects developed with consent of the teacher. I will circulate a list of
suggestions, and students are welcome to discuss possible topics with me. All topics must be
cleared by me before any student proceeds with their research. Completion of this project is a
requirement of passing this course, and should be taken seriously, since it constitutes 25% of
their fourth-term grade. Specific assignment details and due dates will be announced
separately, but please remember that all course work must be complete before seniors may
begin their internships. Late papers and absences on oral report days will be heavily
penalized.
Breakdown for semester grade
For Seniors:
Term 3: 60% of semester grade
Class Participation: 20%
Tests, quizzes, in-class writings and papers: 80%
Term 4: 40% of semester grade
Class participation: 20%
Final Project: 25% *
Tests, quizzes and in-class writings: 55%
For Juniors: (if applicable)
Term 3 – 40% of semester grade
Class Participation: 20%
Tests, quizzes, in-class writings and papers: 80%
Term 4 – 40% of semester grade
Class Participation: 20%
Tests, quizzes, in-class writings and papers: 80%
Final Project - 20% of semester grade (Due last week of regular classes, in lieu of a final
exam)
I am so excited to explore this topic with you!
* See attached sheet for breakdown of grading for final project.
Senior Seminar Final Project Grading Criteria: Project Total Value: 150 points
(Subject to some minor changes)
Oral Report 30% of Final Project (45 points)
- clarity of thesis and presentation
- clear organization
- depth of analysis
- meets all requirements listed above under “The Project” as outlined in project assignment.
- ability to answer questions on the book and its context
- quality of quiz questions.
- (Should reflect careful listening and note-taking.)
Paper 70 % of Final Project (105 points)
- clarity of thesis and presentation
- clear organization
- depth of analysis
- meets all requirements listed above under “The Project” as outlined in project assignment.
- reflects corrections, additions and elaboration on issues brought up by
oral report.
- proper citation of sources, both those quoted directly and those
paraphrased.
- List of works cited in proper Chicago Documentary-Note (Humanities) Style
- Typed, double-spaced, 5-7pages minimum, title page and title.
- Pledged and signed.