Adam Beaton

Follow Alexander’s epic journey from a young Macedonian prince to history’s most legendary conqueror, examining his battles, ambitions, and the empire that reshaped the ancient world."

This dynamic eight-session course brings to life the extraordinary story of Alexander the Great, the brilliant, ruthless, and visionary conqueror who forged an empire spanning three continents. Through lively lectures and vivid visuals (maps, artifacts, and battle simulations), combined with thought-provoking discussions, we’ll explore his meteoric rise from prince to global icon. By the end, you’ll understand why Alexander’s name still echoes 2,300 years after his death.

Course Outline:

Week One
• Session 1: Introduction & Macedonia Before Alexander
• Session 2: The Beginning of Alexander’s Reign
Week Two
• Session 3: The Invasion of Persia
• Session 4: Key Battles – Issus & Gaugamela
Week Three
• Session 5: Egypt & the Oracle at Siwa
• Session 6: The Heart of Persia & the Death of Darius
Week Four
• Session 7: The Indian Campaign & Mutiny
• Session 7: Death & Legacy of Alexander the Great

This course explores Aeschylus and his Oresteia trilogy of plays in depth, examining its themes, dramatic techniques, and historical context, while also introducing SPACE students to the origins and performance practices of Ancient Greek tragedy.

This eight-session course offers an engaging exploration of Aeschylus’ Oresteia—the groundbreaking trilogy that reshaped Ancient Greek tragedy. Through dynamic discussions, close readings, and visual aids, we’ll unpack Aeschylus' plays (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides) examining their brutal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and ultimate vision of justice. Along the way, we’ll investigate Greek tragedy’s origins, Aeschylus’ revolutionary innovations, and how these ancient dramas still resonate today. No prior knowledge or homework required—just a willingness to debate fate, fury, and the first courtroom drama in Western literature!

Course Outline:

Week One
• Session 1: The Origins of Greek Tragedy
• Session 2: Performance and Dramatic Techniques in Greek Tragedy
Week Two
• Session 3: Aeschylus, the Father of Tragedy
• Session 4: Agamemnon – Blood, Betrayal, and the House of Atreus
Week Three
• Session 5: The Libation Bearers – The Cycle of Revenge
• Session 6: The Eumenides – Blood Feuds to Civic Justice
Week Four
• Session 7: The Oresteia as a Unified Trilogy
• Session 7: Greek Tragedy’s Influence and Modern Adaptations

Plato's Republic is arguably one of the most influential books ever written about Western political philsophy. This module offers an exploration of the Republic, examining its key themes such as Justice, the Ideal State, the Theory of Forms, and the Philosopher-King to name a few. Together, we will engage with the text's philosophical arguments and controversies while tying their relevance to contemporary society.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:

Outline	8-Session Structure
Week 1	Session 1: Introduction to The Republic and the Greek World
	Session 2: Book I - The Debate on Justice: Socrates vs Thrasymachus
Week 2	Session 3: Books II & III - Education and the Ideal State
	Session 4: Books IV & V - Justice in the Soul and Society
Week 3	Session 5: Books VI & VII - The Philosopher-King and the Form of the Good
	Session 6: Books VIII & IX - The Mistaken Regimes and Socrates' Critique of Democracy
Week 4	Session 7:Book X - Art, Poetry, and the Myth or Er
	Session 8: Summary, Overview, and the Legacy of Plato's Republic