General provisions

The course is given as an independent course. The course can be counted to the minor subject Assyriology in a Bachelor's degree.

Entry requirements

Assyriology A, Assyriology B and at least 22.5 credits from Assyriology C

Learning outcomes

The education intends to give additional specialisation and broadening of the ability to read and interpret Akkadian and Sumerian cuneiform texts. Further to give an advanced knowledge of the older history and culture of the Near East and some experience in scientific work.

On completion of the course, the student should to deserve the grade Pass at least be able to:

• in modules where applicable, master a specialisation of Master a specialisation of Akkadian phonology, morphology, and syntax and have the ability to transliterate, transcribe, read, translate, and analyse grammatically and content-wise cuneiform texts in Akkadian from some different dialect types of some different genres (module 1);
• in modules where applicable, master a specialisation of Sumerian phonology, morphology, and syntax and have the ability to transliterate, transcribe, read, translate, and grammatically analyse and contextualise cuneiform texts in Sumerian of some different genres (module 1);
• in modules where applicable, account for principles of historical processes, archaeology, culture and religion in the ancient Near East, mainly in Mesopotamia (module 1);
• in module where applicable, master the essentials of another ancient language or another dialect and its phonology, morphology, and syntax and be able to read, translate and make an elementary grammatical and content-based analysis of simple texts in this language (module 1);
• write a degree project (15 credits) over an especially studied problem and thereby with a certain level of independence carry out a study from a research-related problem;
• from literature search and studies give an overview of the research situation regarding this problem;
• present the results of this study in writing in an academically well-structured essay, with a for professional aims well designed diction;
• follow established formal conventions regarding structure and typography and in a correct way quote and refer to sources and write references and bibliography;
• present and discuss such a study for an audience of equal students orally;
• assess a study and essay within the subject area on a similar level concerning its problem, results, argumentation and presentation.

Content

The course consists of the following two modules:

Module 1 Advanced course (15 credits)

With regard to which courses are taught during the current semester the student in consultation with examiner will choose either two previously not studied, somewhat extended, optional modules or an individual course may be established.

Module 2 Degree project (15 credits)

An essay that treats some subject within the older cultures in the Near East is written and discussed at a seminar.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, exercises, and examination parts. The student's independent learning activities are of crucial importance to the work on the course. Participation in all the teaching is recommended. Good preparations for and active participation in each lecture is required when studying language and text.

Assessment

To receive the grade Pass with distinction on the whole course, it is required that this grade has been received on at least 22.5 credits.

The course has moments of examination in accordance with the following:

Subcourse 1: The course has language moments and two moments of examination:

1. continuous oral and written tests;

2. written examination.

For the grade Pass (G), Pass is required in both moments. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG), Pass with distinction is required in moment 1, as well as at least Pass with distinction +/- 5% in moment 2. A high degree of preparation for and active participation at every lecture is contributory to the grade in moment 1.

For a course focusing on courses in history, archaeology, culture and religion in the ancient Near East, the examination is conducted through a PM of 10-15 pages.

Any individually established course is examined in accordance with course type. An individually established course with language moments has two moments of examination:

1. oral final examination;

2. written examination.

For the grade Pass (G), Pass is required in both moments. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG), Pass with distinction is required in both moments.

Any individually established course focusing on courses in history, archaeology, culture and religion in the ancient Near East has two moments of examination:

1. a PM of 10-15 pages.

2. oral presentation.

For the grade Pass (G), Pass is required in both moments. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG), Pass with distinction is required in both moments.

Subcourse 2: The course examination consists of the venting and defence of the student's essay, as well as the opposition of another student's essay. The form of the latter may vary depending on the availability of topical essays. The essay is written in english or swedish. Venting is performed in english or swedish. After venting, the student will have agreed upon a period of time with an examiner (normally two-three weeks) to submit a final version of the independent work, in which comments submitted during the venting have been considered.

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.

Other directives

The course may not be included in a higher education qualification as an independent course if equivalent parts have been studied within another course that is included in the higher education qualification.