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 language closely related to Canaanite, Hebrew, and Aramaic. It has linguistic and cultural affinities with the lingua franca of the Second Millennium, Akkadian. For Bible students, the literary and religious forms of Ugarit give witness to the larger world of which ancient Israel was a part.

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.

Hunt, Joel H. and William M. Schniedewind. A Primer For Ugarit: Language, Culture and Literature. Syllabus.

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

OR

Troper, Josef. Ugaritische Grammatik. AOAT, 273. Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, 2000.

1. Preparation for each class session and class participation.

2. Final examination over texts prepared for class.

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

4. Oral presentation of research topic.

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.

Yes. Research paper presentation during finals.