DESCRIPTION:

This course, the first of a two-course sequence, will provide the student with an introduction to the orthography, phonology, morphology, and syntax of the Ugaritic language. Since it is necessary to provide the unvocalized text with vowels, the course is also an excellent introduction to Comparative Semitic phonology and morphology.

For students pursuing either a course of study leading to an advanced degree in Old Testament or Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literatures, a knowledge of the grammar and the literature of the Ugaritic language is an important discipline to master. Ugaritic is a Northwest Semitic dialect more closely related in many respects to the later Canaanite languages such as Hebrew and Aramaic than either the East Semitic dialects of Akkadian or the Southwest Semitic languages of the Arabic and Ethiopic regions. Further, it provides a most important source of material that is closely parallel in its literary forms and religious content to that of the later Canaanite world with which ancient Israel was not only closely related culturally but also in intimate contact.

This course will require the expenditure of a total of one hundred and twenty (120) hours during the quarter. Classes, meeting twice weekly for two-hour sessions, and the final exam period, dealing with assigned work, will account for forty (40) hours of this total. Students will use the remainder of the time, eighty (80) hours, for their own preparation.

Schniedewind, William M. and Joel H. Hunt. Introduction to Ugaritic Language and Literature. Syllabus.

Sivan, Daniel. A Grammar of the Ugaritic Language. Leiden: Brill, 1997.

1. Preparation for each class session and class participation.

2. Research paper (2000-2500 words) on a topic such as aspects of verbs, discourse, text study, economy, archaeology, etc.

3. Oral presentation of research topic (Finals Week).

LG502. In addition to a working knowledge of Hebrew, study of at least one other Semitic language is advised. For master's level students, written permission of instructor is required.

Required for students with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature at the M.A. in Theology, Th.M., and Ph.D. levels. Elective for all others.

No. Research paper presentation during finals.