Fall 2008/Pasadena
LG533/833
Hays
LG533/833: BEGINNING UGARITIC. Christopher B. Hays.
DESCRIPTION: This course, the first of a two-course sequence, introduces the
language, literature, and culture of Ugarit, giving special attention to the
ways that Ugaritology affects the study of the Hebrew Bible.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a working knowledge of the Ugaritic language and proficiency
in the elementary principles of comparative Semitic philology (especially
comparing Ugaritic with other Northwest Semitic languages); (2) familiarity
with the Ugaritic textual corpus in translation; (3) ability to articulate the
significant contributions of Ugaritology (a) as its own self-contained field
within ancient Near Eastern studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of
the Hebrew Bible and ancient Israelite religion and culture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The study of Ugaritic is crucial for students pursuing
an advanced degree in Old Testament. Ugaritic has played an important role in
informing the current understanding of Classical Hebrew. Furthermore, its
literature and material culture provide insight into the world of ancient
Israel.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet once weekly for a three-hour session.
Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Ugaritic as well as
discussions, lectures, and student presentations on various topics.
REQUIRED READING:
- Hunt, Joel H., and William M. Schniedewind. A Primer for Ugarit:
Language, Culture and Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Pardee, Dennis. Ritual and Cult at Ugarit. SBLWAW 10; Atlanta:
Society of Biblical Literature, 2002.
- Parker, Simon B., ed. Ugaritic Narrative Poetry. SBLWAW 9; Atlanta:
Scholars Press, 1997.
- Sivan, Daniel. A Grammar of the Ugaritic Language. 2d ed. Atlanta:
SBL; Print on demand.
- Smith, Mark S. The Origins of Biblical Monotheism: Israel's Polytheistic
Background and Ugaritic Texts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
- Smith, Mark S. Untold Stories: The Bible and Ugaritic Studies in the
Twentieth Century. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.
- Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Winona Lake,
IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Del Olmo Lete, G. and J. Sanmartin. A Dictionary of the Ugaritic
Language in the Alphabetic Tradition. 2d ed. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 2004.
- Tropper, Josef. Ugaritische Grammatik. AOAT 273. Münster:
Ugarit-Verlag, 2000.
- Watson, Wilfred, and Nicolas Wyatt, eds. Handbook of Ugaritic
Studies. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS: The final grade will consist of the following components:
- Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation
exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (40%).
- Literature review and class presentation on assigned topic(s) related to
Ugarit (20%).
- Two-part (in-class/take-home) examination including translations of an
Ugaritic passage and questions on course content (40%).
PREREQUISITES: LG502 or written 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. Take-home exam distributed during 10th week, due
during finals week.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)