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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Ugaritic as well as discussions, lectures, and student presentations on various topics.

REQUIRED READING:

Bordreuil, Pierre, and Dennis Pardee. A Manual of Ugaritic. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2009. ISBN: 1575061538, $69.50.

Huehnergard, John. Ugaritic Vocabulary in Syllabic Transcription. HSS 32; Atlanta: Scholars, 1987; repr. Eugene: Wipf & Stock. ISBN: 1575069334, $52.00.

Smith, Mark S. Untold Stories: The Bible and Ugaritic Studies in the Twentieth Century. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN: 0801047714, $30.00.

Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 1575060299, $37.50.

Del Olmo Lete, G., and J. Sanmartin. A Dictionary of the Ugaritic Language in the Alphabetic Tradition. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 2004. ISBN: 9004136940 $532.90

Pardee, Dennis. Ritual and Cult at Ugarit. SBLWAW 10. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2002. ISBN: 9004126570, $164.00.

Parker, Simon B., ed. Ugaritic Narrative Poetry. SBLWAW 9. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997. ISBN: 0788503375, $19.95.

Smith, Mark S. The Origins of Biblical Monotheism: Israel's Polytheistic Background and Ugaritic Texts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 0195167686, $35.00.

1. Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (40%).

2. Literature review and class presentation on assigned topic(s) related to Ugarit (20%).

3. Two-part (in-class/take-home) examination including translations of a Ugaritic passage and questions on course content (40%).