University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Thu.

The narrative of Alexander's campaigns is a uniquely difficult one for historians to handle. The main accounts on which we depend (Arrian, Plutarch, Diodorus) are in most cases written hundreds of years after Alexander's lifetime, and are profoundly influenced by the different environment in which they were written. The earlier sources on which these accounts depend are similarly problematic: responding to earlier accounts of the Persian empire, and reflecting a complex debate on Alexander's strengths and weaknesses. This module attempts to address these historiographical difficulties through the close analysis of eight 'scenes' in Alexander's life, each chosen for the richness of the images that they contain.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): As stated in the School of Classics Undergraduate Handbook

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take AN4136

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 60%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor T E H Harrison
Module teaching staff: Prof T Harrison