Winter 2014/Pasadena

LG533/833

Hays

LG533/833: BEGINNING UGARITIC. Christopher B. Hays.

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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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.

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

REQUIRED READING:

Huehnergard, John. An Introduction to Ugaritic. Hendrickson, 2012. ISBN: 978-1598568202, Pub. Price$69.95. [246 pp.].

Huehnergard, John. Ugaritic Vocabulary in Syllabic Transcription. HSS 32; Scholars, 1987. ISBN: 978-1575069333, Pub. Price $52.00. [406 pp.].

Smith, Mark S. Untold Stories: The Bible and Ugaritic Studies in the Twentieth Century. Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN: 978-0801047718, Pub. Price $30.00. [252 pp.].

Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575060293, Pub. Price $37.50. [179 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

See course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The final grade will consist of the following components:

  1. Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (25%).

  2. Quizzes (15%)

  3. Literature review (3 pages) and class presentation on assigned topic(s) related to Ugarit (20%).

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

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or written permission of the instructor. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for students with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature at the MA, ThM, and PhD levels. May be used to satisfy core course requirement for doctoral students in Old Testament. Elective for all others.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. Take-home exam distributed during 10th week, due during finals week.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.