DESCRIPTION: This course, the first of a two-quarter sequence, begins to
introduces the Akkadian language, and to survey the history 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 literature is of enormous value
in the comparative study of the Old Testament, illuminating numerous aspects of
the ancient Near Eastern cultural matrices in which the Old Testament authors
worked. Since it is complex, vocalized, and well-attested, it is also useful
for understanding Hebrew and other Semitic languages at a deeper level.
Akkadian is thus strongly commended to students who intend to pursue an
advanced degree in Old Testament.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have
demonstrated a working knowledge of basic features of Akkadian language,
including phonology, nouns, pronouns, and basic-stem (G) verbal forms. They
will also begin to learn the cuneiform writing system for Old Babylonian.
Finally, they will begin to gain 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 two-hour sessions. Class
sessions will involve lectures, review of prepared translations in Akkadian,
and discussions of Mesopotamian literature, history, and culture. There will be
a handful of proseminars to discuss secondary readings in addition to the
normal class time.
REQUIRED READING: