Semitic languages with cuneiform script (Akkadian, Ugaritic): literary texts

lglor2613  2025-2026  Louvain-la-Neuve

Semitic languages with cuneiform script (Akkadian, Ugaritic): literary texts
The version you’re consulting is not final. This course description may change. The final version will be published on 1st June.
5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q1

This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2025-2026
Language
Prerequisites
Have    completed    undergraduate        training    In a Semitic    language    such    as    Akkadian
{LGLOR1613/l614) or Hebrew {LRELl163l/l632)
Main themes
Study of the Akkadian and Ugaritic language. The course deals with the following themes:
  • reading Akkadian literary texts;
  • an introduction to the Ugaritic script and grammar;
  • analysis and translation of Ugaritic texts accompanied by a philological commentary.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 transliterate Akkadian and Ugaritic literary texts;
 
2 analyse grammatically and thematically Akkadian and Ugaritic literary texts;
 
3 translate Akkadian and Ugaritic literary texts;
 
4 situate Akkadian and Ugaritic literary texts; in their larger context
 
Content
Numerous literary texts of various kinds (mythology, royal inscriptions, poetry, hymns, etc.) were written in Akkadian. Parts of these texts will be read and discussed during the course.
Among the West Semitic languages, Ugaritic is attested at the end of the Late Bronze Age (74th to 72nd centuries BC). The city of Ugarit (today in Syria on the Mediterranean coast) was destroyed in the early 72nd century, and most texts date from the end of Ugarit's history. After a grammatical introduction, the course moves on to the analysis and discussion of several literary texts taken from the Bordreuil-Pardee textbook
Teaching methods
Akkadian. Reading of Akkadian texts, prepared by the students. Ugaritic. The course has two parts: a classical introduction to the Ugaritic grammar and the reading of Ugaritic texts. The students prepare texts which are discussed du ring the course with the grammatical points highlighted. The exact course structure is established with the students during the first session.
Evaluation methods
Written exam on a seen and  unseen Akkadianand/or    Ugaritic    text    (transliteration,    analysis, translation).
Other information
English-friendly course : course taught in French but with facilities in English.
Online resources
  • http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/catalog/cad/ {Akkadian dictionary)
  • http://www.etana.org/    (general    site    on    the Mesopotamian world)
  • http://cdli.ucla.edu/drupal/    (Cuneiform    Digital Library Initiative)
  • http://oi­ archive.uchicago.edu/01/DEPT/RA/bibs/BH­ Ugaritic.html (Bibliography of Ugaritic Grammar)
Bibliography
- F. Malbran-Labat, Manuel de langue akkadienne (PIOL 50), Louvain, 2001.
- W. von Soden, Grundriss der akkadischen Grammatik, 3e éd. (AnOr 33). Rome, 1995.
- R. Labat & F. Malbran-Labat, Manuel d'épigraphie akkadienne (signes, syllabaire, idéogrammes), 6e éd., Paris, 1988.
- The Assyrian Dictionary of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956-2017.
- F. Malbran-Labat, Manuel de langue akkadienne : Lexiques akkadien - français et français - akkadien (PIOL, 51), Louvain, 2001.
- J. Black, G. Andrew, N. Postgate (eds.), A Concise Dictionary of Akkadian (SANTAG 5), Wiesbaden, 2000.
- P. Bordreuil et D. Pardee, Manuel d'ougaritique, Paris, 2004.
- G. del Olmo Lete & J. Sanmartín, A Dictionary of the Ugaritic Language in the Alphabetic Tradition (Handbuch der Orientalistik. Der Nahe und der Mittlere Osten 67), Leiden, 2002.
- M. Dietrich & O. Loretz, Analytic Ugaritic Bibliography 1972-1988 (Alter Orient und Altes testament 20/6), Kevelaer, 1996.
- J. Huehnergard, Ugaritic Vocabulary in Syllabic Transcription (Harvard Semitic Studies 32), Atlanta, 1987.
- B. Margalit, The Ugaritic Poem of AQHT. Text, Translation, Commentary (Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 182), Berlin, 1989.
- S. Segert, A Basic Grammar of the Ugaritic Language with Selected Texts and Glossary, Berkeley, 1984.
- D. Sivan, A Grammar of the Ugaritic Language (Handbuch der Orientalistik. Der Nahe und der Mittlere Osten 28), Leiden, 1997.
- M.S. Smith & W.T. Pitard, The Ugaritic Baal Cycle (Supplements to Vetus Testamentum 55 and 114), Leiden, 1994-2009.
- J. Tropper, Ugaritische Grammatik, Münster, 2000.
Teaching materials
  • Support du cours : les textes en cunéiformes sont distribués par l'enseignant.
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Ancient Languages and Literatures: Oriental Studies

Master [60] in Ancient Languages and Literatures : Oriental Studies