Ancient Mesopotamian Language and Literature

First of all, you may wonder, what are courses on ancient Mesopotamia doing in the History of Mathematics Department? It's just an administrative shuffle, due to the fact that the course instructor, Professor Alice Slotsky of Yale University, is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the History of Math Department this year. (The study of ancient Mesopotamia is in fact a very important subject for the history of mathematics---but that's another story!) HM 20 and 21 are not courses about math or its history.

Instead, they are designed to give students an opportunity to learn the chief Semitic language of the ancient Near East, Akkadian, and its cuneiform script.

HM 20, Introduction to Akkadian (F hour)

Introduces the students to the elements of the cuneiform writing system, the grammar of the Akkadian language, and to samples from Babylonian epistolary and scientific literature.

HM 21, Intermediate Akkadian (M hour)

Builds on HM 20, Introduction to Akkadian. Emphasizes the reading and comprehension of several genres of Akkadian works. Students who have not taken HM 20, but who have a strong background in semitic languages, should consult with the instructor regarding possible accommodation.

Textbooks

Caplice, Introduction to Akkadian
Huehnergard, A Grammar of Akkadian
Riemschneider (trans. Caldwell et al.), An Akkadian Grammar
Snell, A Workbook of Cuneiform Signs
Ungnad (trans. Hoffner), Akkadian Grammar

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