Introductory Akkadian
- Course Code:
- 155900426
- Unit value:
- 1
- Taught in:
- Full Year
An introduction to Akkadian grammar, with special reference to the classical Old Babylonian dialect (19th-17th centuries BC). A substantial portion of the Laws of Hammurapi will be read in class, but students will be required to have read all of it in cuneiform. As the course progresses, the student may also be introduced to other Old Babylonian texts and to texts composed in the later Standard Babylonian literary dialect.
Programme
The course is a compulsory component of the BA programme in Ancient Near Eastern Studies. It is usually the core course of the first year of study. This means that candidates must pass it in order to proceed to the second year of study.
Qualifications for entry
None. The course is compulsory in the first year for students registered for the BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, and for students taking the Certificate in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, full-time or part-time.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
At the end of the course the student should have acquired knowledge and understanding of basic Akkadian grammar, mastery of essential Akkadian vocabulary, familiarity with the Neo-Assyrian form of the cuneiform script and competence in the reading of easy cuneiform texts in Akkadian; should have acquired competence in the translation and interpretation of texts in the genres studied; should have gained a fundamental understanding of the written legacy of ancient Mesopotamia; and should have acquired appropriate knowledge of the philological and methodological issues with which Assyriologists engage.
Workload
The course will normally entail three hours in the classroom each week. During the initial instruction in grammar students are expected to complete exercises and learn the basic series of cuneiform signs in their own time. Thereafter preparation for classes will include the study of passages from the set texts for reading in class.Scope and syllabus
The basic grammar of Akkadian is studied in the first five weeks of the course. The remainder of the course comprises mainly the reading of a selection of set texts in cuneiform.
Method of assessment
One written examination of three hours' duration, which tests candidates' ability in the transliteration, transcription and translation of selected passages from the set texts in cuneiform, and in translating an unseen passage in transcription. A question on basic aspects of grammar is also included.Suggested reading
Basic bibliography
- Borger, R.: Assyrisch-babylonische Zeichenliste. Alter Orient und Altes Testament, 33 & 33A. Kevelaer Verlag Butzon & Bercker, Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag, 1988 (4th edition)
- Caplice, Richard: Introduction to Akkadian. Studia Pohl, Series Maior, 9. Rome: Pontificium Institutum Biblicum, 1988 (3rd edition)
- Huehnergard, John: A Grammar of Akkadian. Harvard Semitic Studies, 45. Winona Lake, Ind.: Harvard Semitic Museum / Eisenbrauns, 2005 (2nd edition)
- Labat, R.: Manuel d'épigraphie akkadienne. Paris: Paul Geuthner, 1988 (6th edition)
- Ungnad, A.: Akkadian Grammar, transl. Harry A. Hoffner, Jr. SBL Resources for Biblical Study, 30. Atlanta, Ga: Scholars Press, 1992
- A Concise Dictionary of Akkadian, ed. J. Black, A. George and J. Postgate. Santag 5. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1999
