Aims

At the end of this course, the student will be able to read and philologically analyse the Semitic inscriptions (and seals) of the Western World.

Main themes

Study of the origins of the alphabet. Philological study of inscriptions like the proto-sinaitical Phoenician ones. Appropriate bibliography. Special attention will be paid to the inscriptions of Byblos and on the bilingual louvite-phoenician ones of Asia Minor (Karatepe, Ivriz, Adana).

Content and teaching methods

Study of the origins of the alphabet. Philological study of inscriptions like the proto-sinaitical, Phoenician, Paleo-Hebraic and Aramaic inscriptions. Appropriate bibliography. Epigraphic documentation regarding the proto-sinaitical, Proto-Phoenician, Byblos, Karatepe and Cypriot inscriptions will be provided to the students.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : elementary knowledge level of a Semitic language.
Evaluation : continuous and oral exam.
Texts and books : notes provided by the professor (inscription pictures).

Other credits in programs