Universität Wien

141226 SE Mesopotamian Literature (Reading of Literary Texts) (2026S)

Philological Seminar on Akkadian Studies (Literature)

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

Voraussetzungen: STEOP und AO-2 oder AO-4 je nach gewählter Sprache
Moodle
Mo 22.06. 11:30-13:00 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

  • Monday 09.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 16.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 23.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 13.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 20.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 27.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 04.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 11.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 18.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 01.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 08.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 15.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22
  • Monday 29.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum Assyrica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-22

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Reading of "Adapa and the South Wind". We will read the various Akkadian versions of the composition and parts of the earlier Sumerian version. The text will be read in class, with a focus on both grammar and content. A good understanding of basic Akkadian grammar (AO 2 und, ideally, AO3) and cuneiform is a prerequisite for this class. Selected passages will be analyzed to expand students' knowledge of Akkadian grammar while examining texts from different historical periods. Additionally, we will conduct paleographical analysis of cuneiform from the Middle Babylonian and Neo-Assyrian periods.

Assessment and permitted materials

The text will be read in class, with a focus on both grammar and content. A good understanding of basic Akkadian grammar (AO 2 und, ideally, AO3) and cuneiform is a prerequisite for this class. Students are required to prepare texts at home (both grammar and cuneiform) and actively participate during class. Participation is mandatory; no more than three classes (whether justified or not) may be missed. Additionally, students will take two written exams - one at mid-term and one at the end of the term - on texts that will have already been read in class by these points. The exams will assess students' understanding of the grammar discussed in class and their ability to read cuneiform. Students will also give short presentations on relevant topics based on bibliography provided by the teacher.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Participation is mandatory; no more than three classes (justified or not) may be missed. Grading will be based on the following components: preparation of the texts (grammatical and paleographical analysis; a good understanding of basic Akkadian grammar (AO 2 und, ideally, AO3) and cuneiform is a prerequisite for this class), active participation in class and discussions, and engagement in reading the text: 50%; written exams: 30%; and a presentation on a relevant topic: 20%.

Examination topics

Material as presented in class.

Reading list

Izreel, Sh. (2001). Adapa and the South Wind. Language Has the Power of Life and Death.
Annus, A. (2016). The overturned boat: Intertextuality of the Adapa myth and exorcist literature.
Cavigneaux, A. (2014). Une version sumérienne de la légende d’Adapa (Textes de Tell Haddad X). Zeitschrift für Assyriologie, 104, 1–41.

Association in the course directory

BA-AO 9 APM Mesopotamische Literatur: Lektüre

Last modified: We 15.04.2026 00:02