Students
AHPG843 – Advanced Study in Near Eastern Languages
2014 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Peter Keegan
Contact via peter.keegan@mq.edu.au
W6A 512
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Advanced study in Near Eastern languages (either Akkadian, Coptic, Egyptian, Hebrew or Syriac). Texts to be read will be chosen from a cross section of genres (historical texts, tales, hymns and prayers, love poems, letters and administrative documents). Students will gain advanced knowledge of the grammar and syntax of the ancient languages and their scripts; formal aspects of the texts, genre and style, as well as the themes are explored and students will be introduced to literary theory and methods of literary criticism.
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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 an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Transliteration | 45% | Weekly as scheduled |
| Cuneiform text | 30% | Weekly as scheduled |
| Special Assignment | 15% | Week 13 |
| Participation | 10% | Weekly |
Transliteration
Due: Weekly as scheduled
Weighting: 45%
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 an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
Cuneiform text
Due: Weekly as scheduled
Weighting: 30%
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
Special Assignment
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 15%
An Old Babylonian letter in transliteration will be assigned as a translation exercise. Vocabulary and/or grammatical features not covered in the regular course will be provided.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
Participation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
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
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
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To acquire an advanced facility in reading the alphabet in the language selected for study
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters
- To enhance a comprehension of the general background (historical, literary, linguistic) of the selected language.
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To learn a vocabulary of approximately 200 words and the advanced grammar required for the translation of simple and complex sentences
- To understand the breadth of rules on the combination of signs and letters