Fall 2018/Pasadena

LG535

Riley

LG535/835: BEGINNING AKKADIAN (4 Units: 160 Hours). Jason A. Riley.

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DESCRIPTION: This course, the first of a two-quarter sequence, begins to introduce the Akkadian language, and to survey the history and literature of ancient Mesopotamia, giving special attention to the ways that Assyriology affects the study of the Old Testament.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a working knowledge of basic features of Akkadian language, including phonology, nouns, pronouns, and basic-stem (G) verbal forms. (2) They will also begin to learn the cuneiform writing system for Old Babylonian. (3) Finally, they will begin to gain familiarity with the Sumero-Akkadian textual corpus in translation and the ability to articulate the significant contributions of Assyriology (a) as its own self-contained field within ancient Near Eastern studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Old Testament and ancient Israelite religion and culture.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. Class sessions will involve lectures, review of prepared translations in Akkadian, and discussions of Mesopotamian literature, history, and culture. There will be a handful of proseminars to discuss primary and secondary readings in addition to the normal class time.

REQUIRED READING:

Huehnergard, John. A Grammar of Akkadian. 3rd ed. HSS 45. Eisenbrauns, 2011. ISBN: 978-1575069418, Pub. Price $54.99. This textbook is available freely online via PDF by the author (contact the instructor for a copy).

________. Key to A Grammar of Akkadian. 2nd ed. HSM 46. Eisenbrauns, 2005. ISBN: 978-1575069241, Pub. Price $27.95. This textbook is available freely online via PDF by the author (contact the instructor for a copy).

Miller, Douglas B., and R. Mark Shipp. An Akkadian Handbook: Paradigms, Helps, Glossary, Logograms, and Sign List. Eisenbrauns, 2014. 2nd ed. ISBN: 978-1575063065, Pub. Price $34.95.

Foster, Benjamin R. Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature. 3rd ed. CDL Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-1883053765. Pub. Price: $50.00.

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

1. 600 pp. of required reading and homework exercises (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [90 hours]
2. Participation in discussions of secondary readings in proseminars (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [40 hours].
3. Quizzes (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2]. [10 hours].
4. In-class examination (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2]. [10 hours].
5. Take-home examination (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: LG502, LG502B or permission of the instructor. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for students with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature ThM and PhD levels. May be used to satisfy core course requirement for doctoral students in Old Testament. Counts toward Ancient Context of Old Testament emphasis and Ancient Near Eastern emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. See above.

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.