04-AO-AKKE2

Course identification: 04-AO-AKKE2
Class hours per week: 2
ECTS points: 5
Duration: 1 semester
Course offering: summer semester
Level: BA, first year

Übung: Introductory Akkadian 2

Content:
Akkadian, a member of 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 reading Akkadian texts, with special emphasis on the Old Babylonian dialect. Sections of Codex Hammurapi in Neo-Assyrian cuneiform will be read in class, as well as other selected Old Babylonian texts (documents, letters, omens). Students will become familiar with the cuneiform signs as well as with Old Babylonian cursive by means of these text examples. At the same time, knowledge of Old Babylonian history, especially the history of society and of law, will be conveyed on the basis of the texts. 

Learning objectives:
The student will possess deepened knowledge of the structure of Akkadian, which he/she can utilize in reading Akkadian texts independently. He/she will be able to transliterate, transcribe and translate texts from Codex Hammurapi and other selected Old Babylonian texts, and give a grammatical analysis of these. In addition to the Neo-Assyrian form of cuneiform, the student will know the elementary signs of the Old Babylonian cursive and monumental script. He/she will be knowledgeable of Old Babylonian history, especially the history of society and law.  

Examination:
Written test (90 minutes).