Winter 2015/Pasadena

LG536

Hays

LG536: ADVANCED AKKADIAN (4 Units: 160 Hours). Christopher B. Hays.

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.

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; and (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 discrete field and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Old Testament and ancient Israelite religion and culture.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.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: 400 pp. of required reading.

John Huehnergard. A Grammar of Akkadian. 3rd ed. Eisenbrauns, 2011. ISBN: 978-1575069418, Pub. Price $54.99 [400 pp.].

________. Key to A Grammar of Akkadian. 2nd ed. Eisenbrauns, 2005. ISBN: 978-1575069241, Pub. Price $27.95.

Miller, Douglas B., and R. Mark Shipp. An Akkadian Handbook: Paradigms, Helps, Glossary, Logograms, and Sign List. Eisenbrauns, 1996. ISBN: 978-0931464867, Pub. Price $19.95.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 400 pp. of required reading and homework exercises (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [60 hours].

  2. Participation in discussions of secondary readings in proseminars (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [40 hours].

  3. Quizzes (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2]. [10 hours].

  4. Language examination (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2]. [10 hours].

  5. FINAL paper (15 pages) (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [40 hours].

PREREQUISITES: LG535/835.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for students with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature and Ancient Context of OT 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.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.