Learning objectives

To achieve a basic understanding of Sumerian grammar and of how cuneiform script functions.

To develop methodological competence with the fundamental tools used in the study of the Sumerian language, including grammatical tools, dictionaries, scripts and syllabaries.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to read and understand a very simple Sumerian text and recognize the various morphological elements.

Thematic Units

1. Sumer and the Sumerians

2. Cuneiform script

3. Materials used to support script

4. Basic structure of Sumer

5. The nominal chain

      a) Nouns

      b) The adjective

      c) Structure of the nominal chain

6. The verbal chain

      a) Verbal classes

      b) Hamtu and marû

      c) Structure of the verbal chain

Methodology and organization

The theory of each thematic unit will be explained in classroom lectures, where students will be provided with the basic tools they need to complete the independent practical work required of the course. This work will be one of the elements used to evaluate students progress, and will consist of the translation of selected Sumerian texts in order to consolidate learning of the language. The teacher will monitor and provide guidance on the preparation of this work through a series of tutorial sessions with each student.

Assessment

In addition to continual assessment of learning and progress, students will sit a final exam consisting of the translation of a simple Sumerian text.

Bibliography

L.-J. Bord, Petite grammaire du sumérien à l'usage des débutants, Paris, 2001

D.O. Edzard, Sumerian Grammar, Leiden/Boston, 2003.

A. Falkenstein, Das Sumerische, Leiden, 1959.

J.L. Hayes A Manual of Sumerian Grammar, Malibu, 1990.

R. Jiménez Zamudio, Gramática de la lengua sumeria, Madrid, 1998.

M.-L. Thomsen, The Sumerian Language. An introduction to its history and grammatical structure, Copenague, 1984.