Winter 2020/Online Live

LG533

Hays

LG533: BEGINNING UGARITIC (4 Units: 160 Hours). Christopher B. Hays.

DESCRIPTION: Did you ever wonder what Canaan was like just before the Israelites showed up on the scene? Did you ever wish you could hold a cuneiform tablet in your hand, learn one of the world’s first alphabets, or read a language that few people can? You totally Can(aan)! This course, the first of a two-course sequence, introduces the language, literature, and culture of Ugarit, a Late Bronze Age city-state on the coast of the Mediterranean whose language was like a grandparent to Hebrew. Special attention is given to the ways in which the study of this material has profoundly informed and improved our understanding of the Old Testament.

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

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course ensures that students have an aptitude in Ugaritic, so that they will be able to study the Old Testament in its original language. The course thus helps to build skill in interpreting the Old Testament, which contributes to the PLO, “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” (MDiv)."

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once weekly for two hours in Online Live! format, i.e. facilitated by videoconferencing. Two additional hours per week will be occupied by posted video lectures and other directed learning activities, for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to attend the scheduled class times via videoconference each week (see schedule and note for specifications). Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 750 pages required.

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; Eisenbrauns, 2009. ISBN: 978-1575069333, Pub. Price $54.95. [for reference].

Smith, Mark S. Untold Stories: The Bible and Ugaritic Studies in the Twentieth Century. Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN:978-1565635753, Pub. Price $19.99. [252 pp.]. (e-reserve).

Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575060293, Pub. Price $39.50. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [179 pp.].

Course reader. [70 pp.]

RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.

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

  1. Preparation of language homework (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [60 hours].
  2. Class participation via videoconference: This includes discussion of course readings (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [30 hours].
  3. Quizzes (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [20 hours].
  4. Literature review (3 pages) and class presentation on assigned topic(s) related to Ugarit (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2-3] [20 hours].
  5. Two-part (in-class/take-home) examination including translations of an Ugaritic passage and questions on course content (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2] [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or written permission of the instructor.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to count for Ancient Context of the Old Testament Emphasis or Ancient Near Eastern Studies emphasis. Fulfills requirement in the PhD in the Old Testament. Elective for all others.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: To participate in an Online Live course, please make sure your computer and Internet specifications meet the requirements listed below. You may also contact the Office of Teaching and Learning to schedule a test run before the quarter begins.

Online-specific requirements:

Important Note: Students must have full administrator access to their computer. This means that students may not be able to use a company-provided computer as they often restrict some system operations necessary for online course work.

Computer Specifications:

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. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.