Universität Wien

141032 SE Philological Seminar (2026S)

Animals in Babylonian Scholarly Texts

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikawissenschaften, Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismusk
Continuous assessment of course work

für AO-11-1: AO-2 und AO-4
für AO-11-2: AO-6 sowie AO-2 und AO-4
für AO 12-1: AO-3
Moodle
Tu 23.06. 13:15-14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 12 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 10.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 17.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 24.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 14.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 21.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 28.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 05.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 12.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 19.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 26.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 02.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 09.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 16.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Tuesday 30.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in interest around “capturing the ancient animal” (Kindt 2017). The study of animals’ roles and representations in ancient cultures, approached through the frameworks and methodologies of human-animal studies (DeMello 2012), has developed into a burgeoning field of research across multiple disciplines. Although ancient Near Eastern studies entered this field later than others, the growing body of publications focused on human-animal relationships in the ancient Near East signals its increasing prominence. Students will become familiar with current debates in Assyriology on this topic, including an introduction to relevant methodological approaches. The philological focus of the course is on representations of animals in Babylonian scholarly texts (lexical lists, incantations, divination) and literary sources. Texts which are to be prepared beforehand will be discussed and read in class. A good understanding of Akkadian grammar (AO 2 und, ideally, AO3) and cuneiform is a prerequisite for this class.

Assessment and permitted materials

Texts which are to be prepared beforehand will be discussed and read in class.
Students will give a short presentation on a pertinent topic (20 mins). A seminar paper is required for MA students.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The minimum requirement for a positive assessment is active participation (preparation of texts, contributions to discussions), next to giving a short presentation and writing a seminar paper (for MA students) / text edition (for BA students) (including any necessary reflection) according to the guidelines of the course instructor and in accordance with the rules of good scientific practice. Attendance is mandatory, no more than three absences are allowed (either with or without justification). Each component is independently evaluated.

The grade is composed as follows:
1) Adequate preparation for the course and participation in text readings: 60%
2) Short presentations: 20%
3) Written edition and discussion of a pertinent text: 20%

For MA students: the seminar paper (and, if applicable, a reflection interview) counts for 40% of the course assessment, the presentation for 20%, and participation for 40%.

Examination topics

Preparation of the texts (using the entire range of scientific tools, such as sign lists, glossaries, etc.) and participation during the guided text readings, short presentations based on the mentioned secondary literature, final seminar paper/text edition in accordance with the rules of good scientific practice.

Reading list

Collins, B. J. (ed.) 2002, A History of the Animal World in the Ancient Near East, Leiden.
DeMello, M. 2012, Animals and Society. An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies, New York.
J. Kindt, Capturing the ancient animal: human/animal studies and the classics, Journal of Hellenic Studies 137 (2017) 213–225.
Additional bibliography will be provided during the course.

Association in the course directory

AO 11-1, AO 11-2,
AO 12-1
Master AO:
MA-AO Akkadistisches Seminar mit SE-Arbeit
MA-AO PM Philologisches Vertiefungsmodul I
MA Geschichte und Kulturgeschichte Mesopotamiens

Last modified: Th 05.03.2026 13:46