Alexander, 356-338BC

**CLASS DISCUSSION, FEBRUARY 15:**
**ALEXANDER, 356-338 BC**

Today's class will focus on three topics, and Thursday's will address two others. Each of you has been assigned to one of the topics. Over the course of the next 30 minutes you are to prepare to lead a 15-20 minute class discussion in which everyone on your panel will participate.

Alexander and his relationship with his parents

Dan Ware, Jerry Simatos, Meredith Smith, Danielle Visceglia, Dusty Reidy, Matthew Kugler

Questions to consider: What were Alexander's formative years like? What influence did Philip and Olympias each have on this young Macedonian prince? What impact did the problematic relationship between his parents have on Alexander? What roles did he play in the events of state between 356 and 338 BC?

Alexander and his relationship with Aristotle

Graham Johnson, Jill Mariani, Keith Wallach

Questions to consider: Why did Philip select Aristotle as one of Alexander's teachers? What was the curriculum Aristotle put together for his young charge, and what impact might it have had on Alexander in his formative years? What happened to their relationship as the years unfolded?

Plutarch's presentation of Alexander's youth

Jamie Garfield, Tristan Power, Jennifer Tuozzolo

Questions to consider: How does Plutarch characterize Alexander as a youth? What are some of the underlying themes that Plutarch raises? What agendas are in play in Plutarch's hands, and how does this biography differ from a history by, say, Diodorus or Arrian?

We will address these three topics in class today. On Thursday, the following two groups will make a slightly more formal presentation, given that its members will have two days to prepare their comments. These two sets of reports will count as the "brief reports" for Doug, Nika, Caroline and Mark, and will represent 15% of their final grade.

The assassination of Philip

Doug Gilmour, Nika Charity

Questions to consider: Who killed Philip? Why? Who stood to gain by Philip's death? What were the repercussions of the murder of Philip II of Macedon? How do the sources assess this event?

Invasion of Asia

Caroline McKenzie, Mark Mucha

Questions to consider: What were Alexander's motives for launching an invasion of Asia and the Persian Empire? Realistically, what were his chances of success? How do the sources assess this event?