AKKD 101. Beginning Akkadian I. 3 Units.

This course is the first of a sequence of two courses intended to cover the fundamentals of Akkadian grammar and a large number of the most common cuneiform signs encountered. A sample of texts (tablets) from the most important genres of cuneiform literature will be read. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

AKKD 102. Beginning Akkadian II. 3 Units.

This course, the second in a two-semester sequence, completes the introduction to the grammar of Akkadian and the most common cuneiform signs. Via grammar and exercises, we will continue to familiarize ourselves with some of the more important genres of Akkadian writing as well as the history and culture of Mesopotamian civilization. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Prereq: AKKD 101.

AKKD 205. Readings from the Epic of Gilgamesh. 3 Units.

In this course, we will read the entire Standard Babylonian recension of the Epic of Gilgamesh, considered the first great work of literature, from the original Akkadian text. While the primary goal of the course will be to become proficient readers of Akkadian, we will take some excursus on topics such as Babylonian religion, whether Gilgamesh was a historical figure or not, how the text was put together, and its possible influence on later heroic traditions such as the Greco-Roman. Offered as AKKD 205, AKKD 405, WLIT 205 and WLIT 405. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Prereq: AKKD 101 and AKKD 102.

AKKD 395. Advanced Topics in Akkadian Literature. 3 Units.

Directed readings in selected Akkadian texts in the cuneiform script either of the Old Babylonian or the Neo-Assyrian periods to serve the individual interests and needs of students (texts may be drawn from a variety of text genres: mythological, historical, scientific, medical, correspondence, religious, etc.). Offered as AKKD 395, AKKD 495, WLIT 395 and WLIT 495. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Prereq: AKKD 101 and AKKD 102.

AKKD 405. Readings from the Epic of Gilgamesh. 3 Units.

In this course, we will read the entire Standard Babylonian recension of the Epic of Gilgamesh, considered the first great work of literature, from the original Akkadian text. While the primary goal of the course will be to become proficient readers of Akkadian, we will take some excursus on topics such as Babylonian religion, whether Gilgamesh was a historical figure or not, how the text was put together, and its possible influence on later heroic traditions such as the Greco-Roman. Offered as AKKD 205, AKKD 405, WLIT 205 and WLIT 405. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Prereq: AKKD 101 and AKKD 102.

AKKD 495. Advanced Topics in Akkadian Literature. 3 Units.

Directed readings in selected Akkadian texts in the cuneiform script either of the Old Babylonian or the Neo-Assyrian periods to serve the individual interests and needs of students (texts may be drawn from a variety of text genres: mythological, historical, scientific, medical, correspondence, religious, etc.). Offered as AKKD 395, AKKD 495, WLIT 395 and WLIT 495. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Prereq: AKKD 101 and AKKD 102.