04-AO-AKKE1

Course identification: 04-AO-AKKE1
Class hours per week: 2
ECTS points: 5
Duration: 1 semester
Course offering: winter semester
Level: BA, first year

Übung: Introductory Akkadian 1

Content:
Akkadian, which belongs to the Semitic family of languages, was the most widespread language of the ancient Near East. Thus, students must begin learning the language from the start of the programme. The module offers an introduction to cuneiform writing as well as to the grammar and vocabulary of Akkadian, although the main emphasis is on the Old Babylonian dialect.

Learning objectives:
The student should become knowledgeable of the structure of the Akkadian language and especially of the criteria necessary for the analysis of forms. He/she will be able (1) to create reasonable genitive constructions from given nouns and translate these, (2) to combine given substantives with pronominal suffixes and translate these, (3) to render verbal forms given in transliteration with a bound transcription, analyze and translate these forms, (4) to name the phonetic values of simple cuneiform signs, (5) to transliterate, transcribe and translate simple practice sentences. The student will learn to use the most important resources (grammars, dictionaries, text editions).

Examination:
Written test (90 minutes).