DESCRIPTION: This course, the second of a two-quarter sequence, completes the
introduction of the Akkadian language. It also surveys the culture and
literature of ancient Mesopotamia, giving special attention to the ways that
Assyriology affects the study of the Old Testament.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Akkadian and Mesopotamian literature are
of enormous value in the comparative study of the Old Testament, thus these
subjects are strongly commended to students pursuing an advanced degree in Old
Testament.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a working knowledge of all basic features of the Akkadian
language, with the primary additional content being the bulk of the verbal
system; (2) a working knowledge of the Neo-Assyrian cuneiform writing system;
(3) an initial familiarity with the Sumero-Akkadian textual corpus in
translation and the ability to articulate the significant contributions of
Assyriology (a) as its own self-contained field within ancient Near Eastern
studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Old Testament and
ancient Israelite religion and culture.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for a one-hour, fifty-minute
session. Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Akkadian as well
as discussions and lectures. There will be a handful of proseminars to discuss
secondary readings in addition to the normal class time.
REQUIRED READING: