Fall 2007/Pasadena
LG835/535
Nam

LG835/535: BEGINNING AKKADIAN. Roger S. Nam.


DESCRIPTION: This course, the first of a two-course sequence, will provide the student with an introduction to several basic subjects that are necessary for the reading of Akkadian texts. Particular attention will be paid to the pertinence of Akkadian literature to the field of Old Testament studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this two-course sequence will have demonstrated: (1) a basic comprehension of Akkadian phonology, morphology, and syntax; (2) understanding of the cuneiform writing system in general and in particular its Old Babylonian form; (3) ability to utilize the "tools" of the field such as sign lists, dictionaries, textual corpora, and digital resources. The ultimate goal of this two-quarter sequence is that students will gain the ability to readselected passages from the standard Babylonian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The study of Akkadian is crucial for students pursuing an advanced degree in Old Testament. All genres of the Old Testament have striking parallels with Akkadian documents, and this course will provide a student with the introductory linguistic and cultural knowledge to assess the nature of the interrelationship between extra-biblical and biblical materials.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class sessions will involve lectures and exercises from Huehnergard, as well as discussions on relevant historical, sociological and linguistic topics.

REQUIRED READING:

Huehnergard, John. A Grammar of Akkadian. 2nd ed. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2005.

Black, Jeremy, Andrew George, and Nicholas Postgate. A Concise Dictionary of Akkadian. 2nd ed. Wiesbaden: Harrasowitz, 2000.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Snell, Daniel. A Workbook of Cuneiform Signs. Aids and Research Tools in Ancient Near Eastern Studies 3. Malibu: Undena, 1979.

ASSIGNMENTS: The final grade will consist of the following components:
  1. Class participation (20%)

  2. Homework (25%)

  3. Midterm (25%)

  4. Final Exam (30%)

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or 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

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (8/07)