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Alexander the Great: Military Genius

An in-depth investigation of the military genius, tactics and strategy of Alexander the Great.
Keith (M.A. Military History)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(362)
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What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
‘My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambition. Macedon is too small for you’, the words of King Phillip II of Macedon were prophetic as he addressed his son Alexander after he had tamed a fearful horse at the age of just 10.

Alexander would grow up to be one of the world’s most legendary military commanders. Born into an era of petty tyrants and brutality Alexander the Great used the exceptional education he received – from, among others, Aristotle – and used it to marshal his forces in nearly impossible battles. He emerged victorious over the course of 13 years of battles from which was forged one of the largest empires the world has ever seen.

Alexander the Great was born in 356 BC to King Phillip II of Macedon and his wife Olympias. Following his father’s assassination Alexander succeeded him to the Macedon throne. This incident would contribute to Alexander conquering most of the known world with an empire that stretched for 10,000 miles and encompassed the Mediterranean, most of Europe and touched the borders of India. Although not exactly what one would call a diplomat, he was a military genius who used guile, ingenuity and lateral thinking to defeat often vastly superior forces. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC in what today is Iraq.

In this One-Time Outschool class we will conduct an in-depth investigation of Alexander the Great's warfighting doctrine, his tactics and his strategy. We will also work toward an understanding of military genius through analyzing Alexander's decision-making process in preparation for his campaigns and the military decisions he made during the battles which led to victory for the Macedonians. Further we will apply the modern concept of the Operational Art to appreciate the sophistication of Alexander's war plans
Learning Goals
Students will understand Alexander's growth in military knowledge which led to his genius for war.
Students will understand the nature of military genius as applied to Alexander the Great.
Students will understand why the Macedonians were so successful in creating their empire.
Students will understand how his early education played a key role in Alexander's success.
Students will learn about the military decision-making, tactics and strategies of the Macedonians.
Students will learn about the concept of the Operational Art as applied to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Army.
learning goal

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External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Genius of Alexander the Great by N.G.L. Hammond Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and the Genius of Leadership by Barry Strauss The Generalship Of Alexander The Great (Da Capo Paperback) by J.F.C. Fuller Ancient text: ARRIAN The Campaigns of Alexander Primary Source Collection: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/asbook08.asp
Joined September, 2020
5.0
362reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in History from American Military University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Maine at Farmington
Bachelor's Degree in History from Acadia University (Nova Scotia, Canada)
I have been a Military History enthusiast for the past 40 years. From collecting (and reading) books, military scale models, table-top wargaming, role playing games, to studying and writing - this exciting topic has thoroughly captured my imagination. I presently hold a M.A. in Military History from American Military University and have taught a variety of History courses which include a great deal of Military History. 
I am a certified (7-12) Social Studies teacher and have taught a variety of honors level courses (AS/A Level, GCSE, I.B. and A.P.) in both private and public schools over the past 30 years. Historical writing, source analysis, and exam preparation as well as an immersive approach to the study of history has made my classes both meaningful and enjoyable. My tutoring experience has spanned the entire 21st century with ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, A.P. Histories, and Subject Tests. 

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Live One-Time Class
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$12

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 47 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-6 learners per class

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