Students

AHIS249 – Ancient History Special Topic A

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Other Staff
Victor Ghica
Contact via victor.ghica@mq.edu.au
W6A 524
Unit Convenor
Peter Keegan
Contact via peter.keegan@mq.edu.au
W6A 512
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The topics in this unit vary from time to time. For 2014 the special topics are Akkadian and Sanskrit.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Transliteration 35% weekly as scheduled
Translation 55% weekly as scheduled
Participation 10% Weekly

Transliteration

Due: weekly as scheduled
Weighting: 35%

 

SANSKRIT: Owing to the complicated nature of the alphabet with its multiple combinations of letters, much practice is required before the student is able to read with ease. It is necessary to begin with small alphabet elements and build them together into a more complex pattern. As it is absolutely necessary to know this alphabet sufficiently well to use a dictionary, much time must be taken in this practice. These exercises will address this need.

AKKADIAN: It is not possible to understand the complexities of reading Akkadian without wrestling with the mysteries of the script. These weekly exercises, taken from the prescribed text, introduce progressively the repertoire of cuneiform signs.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Translation

Due: weekly as scheduled
Weighting: 55%

 

SANSKRIT: The earliest exercises involve only very simple combinations of words. The practice of grammar is done initially in sentences which will be only minimally affected by the operation of the selected language. As the unit progresses, students are made ready for exposure to the broader effects of the language, which come at the final stage of this unit.

AKKADIAN: The grammar of the language is best learned by working with text transliterated into more familiar script. The exercises are taken from the prescribed text and correspond to the grammar lesson for the week.

NB. Translation for Akkadian includes a special assignment, due at the end of Session: translation of letter.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

 

SANSKRIT: Participation refers to much more than simply being in attendance. In order to receive full marks for participation, students must consistently demonstrate their commitment to the course by being well-prepared for all classes, and completing any required tutorial reading and discussion preparation. Participation marks are also gained through active involvement during the meeting, demonstrated by asking and answering questions, participating constructively as required, and showing consideration for their fellow classmates and lecturer by behaving in a considerate and mature manner.

AKKADIAN: Participation is a combination of attendance and participation in class discussion. Since in most weeks, time will be given to working through the exercises, there will be ample opportunity for students to contribute to class engagement.


Delivery and Resources

 

DELIVERY

This unit will be delivered on campus (Akkadian, Sanskrit). Please consult the 2014 Timetable Iin conjunction with the Department of Ancient History welcome page for schedule details.

RESOURCES

SANSKRIT

Required reading

J. S. Sheldon. 1996. Reading Sanskrit: A Course for Beginners. SGS Press.

Recommended reading

W. Doniger. 2009. The Hindus: An Alternative History. Penguin.

AKKADIAN

Required reading

The text for the unit is Richard Caplice, Introduction to Akkadian, 4th ed. Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2002. This work is available in printed and ebook editions and both are suitable.

Unit Schedule

This will be provided during the first campus meeting of the Session.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment tasks

  • Transliteration
  • Translation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment tasks

  • Transliteration
  • Translation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment tasks

  • Transliteration
  • Translation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment tasks

  • Transliteration
  • Translation

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment task

  • Translation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire a reasonable facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
  • To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the basic grammar required for the translation of simple sentences
  • To understand the basic rules on the combination of letters
  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)

Assessment tasks

  • Transliteration
  • Translation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To begin a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language. (For Sanskrit, Vedic will only be touched on briefly in this unit)