DESCRIPTION:

A study of the Akkadian language (Old Babylonian and Standard Babylonian) by the inductive method. The texts (the Code of Hammurapi and the Descent of Ishtar) will be read from the original cuneiform. The student will be introduced to both the Old Babylonian script and the Neo-Assyrian script. The writing system, the grammar of the language, and its relationship to Hebrew will be observed and explained. Attention will be given 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 Middle East over two millenniums. Its linguistic study greatly enhances the grammatical and syntactical under-standing of Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament. A great number of Akkadian documents have been referred as parallels to the Old Testament by biblical scholars. This course will equip the student with the introductory linguistic knowledge needed to read these extra-biblical materials and to make his/her decision as to how they are related to the Old Testament.

The student will be asked to read and translate the text from the cuneiform with the help of his/her notes. The linguistic, cultural, and other various issues found in the text will be discussed, and some deductive explanations of the grammar will be given by the instructor.

Gaebelein, Paul W. Notes on Akkadian Grammar. (Not published).

Marcus, David. A Manual of Akkadian. Lanham: University Press of America, 1978.

Caplice, Richard. Introduction to Akkadian. 3rd ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1988.

Borger, Rykle. Babylonisch-Assyrische Lesestüche, 2 vols. Rome: Pontificium Institutum Biblicum, 1979.

Preparation for the class. The student should be prepared to read and translate the text for each class session.

LG502 Hebrew, or equivalent.

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

Written mid-term and final exams.