Winter 2005/Pasadena
LG835/535
Asai
LG835/535: BEGINNING AKKADIAN. Toru Asai.
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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Akkadian is one of the oldest Semitic languages that was used
widely in the Middle East over two millennia. 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
to 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
- 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. Class will meet
twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Gaebelein, Paul W. and Toru Asai. Notes on Akkadian Grammar.
(unpublished).
- Marcus, David. A Manual of Akkadian. Lanham: University Press of
America, 1978.
- Caplice, Richard. Introduction to Akkadian. 3rd ed. Rome: Biblical
Institute Press, 1988.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Borger, Rykle. Babylonisch-Assyrische Lesestüche. 2
vols. Rome: Pontificium Institutum Biblicum, 1979.
- Black, Jeremy, Andrew George, and Nicholas Postgate, eds. A Concise
Dictionary of Akkadian. 2nd corrected printing. Harrassowitz, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation for the class. The student should be prepared to read
and translate the text for each class session.
PREREQUISITES:
- LG502 Hebrew.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective. Required language for the Semitic concentration in the
M.A. in Theology.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Written mid-term and final exams.