Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide an introduction to Akkadian grammar, basic proficiency in cuneiform and familiarity with resources for interpreting these, as well as an understanding of the position of Akkadian in relation to other Semitic languages.

For the grade of Pass, on completion of the course students should be able to

• account for the position of Akkadian and Sumerian among the older languages of the Near East and, at an elementary level, the role of Akkadian as a Semitic language
• demonstrate proficient knowledge of the essentials of Akkadian phonology, morphology and syntax
• demonstrate proficient knowledge of a selection of fundamental Neo-Assyrian cuneiform signs
• transcribe, read aloud and translate simple transliterated Akkadian texts that have been introduced during the course, and carry out basic grammatical and content-based analysis of these texts
• transliterate, transcribe, read aloud  and translate simple Akkadian texts that have been introduced during the course, and carry out basic grammatical and content-based analysis of these texts
• independently conduct a small comparative study contrasting one or more features of Akkadian with at least one other language
• apply concepts of general phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics using conventional linguistic terminology.

Content

Overview of Akkadian grammar in the Old Babylonian dialect and introduction to the cuneiform script through proficiency-training seminars and tools in the form of dictionaries and sign lists. Phonetics, a thorough review of morphology, the most important aspects of the syntax, and reading and interpretation of about 300 lines of Akkadian text in cuneiform script.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and assessment components. The student's own learning activities are crucial during the course. Good preparations for and active participation in each teaching session are required in sessions involving language and text. Absence from more than two seminars in module 2 and more than one seminar in module 3 can be made up by written assignments corresponding to the contents of the seminar concerned.

Assessment

The course is examined by three components:

1. continuous oral and written assignments
2. final written test
3. PM of 10-15 pages with a comparative study of one or more features of Akkadian contrasted with at least one other language

For the grade G, G is required for all components. The grade VG requires VG for component 1, at least VG +/- 5% for component 2, and VG for component 3. A high degree of preparation for and active participation in each teaching session contributes to the grade for the continuous assignments. Submission of PM after the due time is taken into account when grading.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.