Course Description
Introduction to northwest Semitic languages, which may include Phoenician, Punic, and inscriptional ancient Hebrew, as well as to the principles of Semitic epigraphy.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional, more extensive readings will be required in technical
literature. Exams and/or papers will be more intensive. Emphasis
will be laid on mastery of the epigraphic corpus and especially on
techniques for dating language change over time and space.
Athena Title
Studies in Semitic Linguistics
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To introduce students to a wide range of subjects within Semitic Linguistics, including: The history and development of Semitic languages. The particular grammar and corpus of material from specific languages. Exposure to the various writing systems of the region including cuneiform. To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations.
Topical Outline
Outline will change depending on the language of focus. I. Dialects of Northwest Semitic (Edomite, Moabite, Ammonite, Hebrew, Canaanite, Phoenician, Ugaritic, Aramaic, and their subdialects) II. The Alphabets III. Orthography IV. Morphology V. Syntax VI. Readings in Selected Texts (e.g., the Moabite Stone)
Syllabus