DESCRIPTION:

This course continues the graded introduction to the grammar and writing system of Old Babylonian Akkadian begun in LG535/835. During this course we will read, in cuneiform copies and transliteration, a variety of genres of Akkadian texts: contracts, laws (Hammurabi's Code), omens, letters, royal inscriptions and hymns and prayers. Along our journey we will pay some attention to the history, culture, and religion of the Ancient Near East, the background of the Old Testament.

Akkadian is one of the oldest Semitic languages that was used widely in the Ancient Near East over two millenniums. Its linguistic study greatly enhances the grammatical and syntactical understanding of Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament. Many texts in the Old Testament bear a striking resemblance to Akkadian documents and it is the hope that this course will provide a student with the introductory linguistic and cultural knowledge to assess the nature of the interrelationship between extra-biblical and biblical materials.

The course will meet once a week for three-hour sessions of recitation and discussion of prepared materials.

Huehnergard, John. A Grammar of Akkadian. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997.

Black, Jeremy, Andrew George, and Nicholas Postgate, eds. A Concise Dictionary of Akkadian. 2d corrected printing. Harrassowitz, 2000.

The professor will introduce students to additional Assyriological materials during the course of the quarter.

Students will prepare by reading the introductory grammatical remarks in the textbook and by translating the exercises. We will work through these materials together during the two two-hour class sessions per week. Students will take a mid-term and final examination.

LG535/835 Beginning Akkadian.

Elective. Required language for the Semitic concentration in the M.A.T.

Yes.