Akkadian Texts 2

This module covers a selection of more advanced Akkadian texts, for example royal inscriptions such as the Eighth Campaign of Sargon II, extracts from the Babylonian chronicles, and literary texts such as the Babylonian Creation Epic (Enuma elish) and the Myth of Anzû. The module includes study of the texts' content, form and style.

Prerequisites

The module is suited to the third year of the study of Akkadian. Introductory Akkadian is a prerequisite.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of the module the student should have acquired competence in the reading of intermediate to advanced-level cuneiform texts in Akkadian; should have made progress in the reading, translation and interpretation of cuneiform texts in the genres studied; should have a better understanding of the written legacy of ancient Mesopotamia; and should have gained appropriate knowledge of the philological and methodological issues with which Assyriologists engage.

Workload

The module will normally entail two or three hours in the classroom each week. Preparation for classes will include the study of passages from the set texts for reading in class.

Method of assessment

One three-hour written examination taken in May/June (70%); four (non-repeatable) pieces of coursework to be submitted on day 5, after reading week term 1 (5%); day 5, week 1, term 2 (10%); day 5 after reading week term 2 (5%); day 5, week 1, term 3 (10%).

Suggested reading

Basic bibliography:

• Grayson, A. K.: Assyrian and Babylonian Chronicles. Texts from Cuneiform Sources, 5. Locust Valley: Augustin, 1975
• King, L. W.: Babylonian Boundary Stones. London: British Museum, 1912
• Kinnier Wilson, J. V.: Etana. Warminster: Aris & Phillips, 1985
• Lambert, W. G.: Babylonian Wisdom Literature. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1960
• Lambert, W. G.: Enuma elis. The Babylonian Epic of Creation. Birmingham: W. G. Lambert, Oxford: Blackwells, 1974
• Thureau-Dangin, F.: Une relation de la huitième campagne de Sargon. Textes cunéiformes du Louvre, 3. Paris: Geuthner, 1912 (abbr. TCL III)
• Vogelzang, M. E.: Bin sar dadmê. Edition and analysis of the Akkadian Anzû poem. Groningen: Styx, 1988

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