DESCRIPTION: This course, the first of a two-course sequence, introduces the language, literature, and culture of Ugarit, giving special attention to the ways that Ugaritology affects the study of the Hebrew Bible.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a working knowledge of the Ugaritic language and proficiency in the elementary principles of comparative Semitic philology (especially comparing Ugaritic with other Northwest Semitic languages); (2) familiarity with the Ugaritic textual corpus in translation; (3) ability to articulate the significant contributions of Ugaritology (a) as its own self-contained field within ancient Near Eastern studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and ancient Israelite religion and culture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The study of Ugaritic is crucial for students pursuing an advanced degree in Old Testament. Ugaritic has played an important role in informing the current understanding of Classical Hebrew. Furthermore, its literature and material culture provide insight into the world of ancient Israel.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet once weekly for a three-hour session. Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Ugaritic as well as discussions, lectures, and student presentations on various topics.

REQUIRED READING:

Hunt, Joel H., and William M. Schniedewind. A Primer for Ugarit: Language, Culture and Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Pardee, Dennis. Ritual and Cult at Ugarit. SBLWAW 10; Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2002.

Parker, Simon B., ed. Ugaritic Narrative Poetry. SBLWAW 9; Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997.

Sivan, Daniel. A Grammar of the Ugaritic Language. 2d ed. Atlanta: SBL; Print on demand.

Smith, Mark S. The Origins of Biblical Monotheism: Israel's Polytheistic Background and Ugaritic Texts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Smith, Mark S. Untold Stories: The Bible and Ugaritic Studies in the Twentieth Century. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.

Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006.

Del Olmo Lete, G. and J. Sanmartin. A Dictionary of the Ugaritic Language in the Alphabetic Tradition. 2d ed. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 2004.

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

Watson, Wilfred, and Nicolas Wyatt, eds. Handbook of Ugaritic Studies. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 1999.

1. Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (40%).

2. Literature review and class presentation on assigned topic(s) related to Ugarit (20%).

3. Two-part (in-class/take-home) examination including translations of an Ugaritic passage and questions on course content (40%).