C8666 - ASSIRIOLOGIA (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students acquire a general overview of the discipline, its field of inquiry, and its tools. They know the principles and essential features of cuneiform writing. They also have a basic knowledge of the Akkadian language, which enables them to understand elementary Akkadian texts and to critically evaluate existing translations of primary sources.

Course contents

Introduction to the study of the history and culture of the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations (Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians).

Introduction to the cuneiform writing.

Elements of the Akkadian language.

Guide to the electronic resources for the study of Akkadian.

Reading, translation and grammatical analysis of elementary Akkadian texts in cuneiform writing.

Readings/Bibliography

EXAM PREPARATION TEXTS:

S. Seminara, Le iscrizioni reali sumero-accadiche d'età paleo-babilonese (Atti della Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Classe di Scienze Morali, Storiche e Filologiche - Memorie, Serie IX, Volume XVIII, Fascicolo 3), Roma: Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 2004- 

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MANUALS (FOR CONSULTATION ONLY)

R. Caplice, Introduction to Akkadian, 4 ed., Roma: Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 2002.

J. Huehnergard, A Grammar of Akkadian, 3 ed., Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 2011. [downloadable from the web site: https://utexas.academia.edu/JohnHuehnergard]

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TEXTBOOK FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

F. D'Agostino, M.S. Cingolo, G. Spada, La lingua di Babilonia. Hoepli.

Teaching methods

Lectures. A number of Akkadian texts will be read, analyzed and commented in class.

Assessment methods

Oral examination. The student will have to read, translate and comment selected passages of the texts that have been read in class. For the assessment, the ability to read cuneiform texts, to analyze the writing system, grammar, and syntax correctly will be taken into account. The strength of the preparation, speaking ability, and command of the appropriate terminology will represent further assessment elements. In addition, the student must demonstrate his ability to correctly categorize and analyze texts (structure, content, message, Sitz im Leben).

In order to obtain an excellent mark, students must show an excellent knowledge of the cuneiform writing and of the elements of the Akkadian language that have been dealt with in class. Moreover, they must be able to present their arguments with clarity and authority, showing mastery of terminology and critical thinking in dealing with texts.

Students showing lesser preparation and ability but who are nonetheless able to read and translate the texts for the exam and who have a good knowledge of the basic elements of the cuneiform writing will receive a good mark.

Students who do not show an adequate knowledge of grammar and who are not able to translate and comment the texts for the exam will not pass the exam.

Exam sessions are scheduled for the following months: November 2026, January, March/April, June, July, September 2027.

Teaching tools

Internet resources. The sites dedicated to the study and the research in the field of Assyriology will be explored, and instructions on how to use them will be given.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Gianni Marchesi