Semitic Philology

                                       IntroductionRequirementsFacultyCourses

                                                  Samaria Ostraca 8th century BCE

A candidate in this field studies the comparative and historical grammar of the Semitic languages. Prerequisites for admission to the program are competence in one Semitic language and some training in either linguistics or another Semitic language. Course work is aimed at bringing the student's knowledge of one branch of Semitic to an advanced level, at providing familiarity with the other branches, and at reviewing the comparative and historical study of these languages.

Requirements
1. Linguistics 110: Introduction to Linguistics (or equivalent)
2. Linguistics 120: Introduction to Historical Linguistics (or equivalent)
3. Semitic Philology 140: Introduction to the Comparative Study of the Semitic Languages
4. Semitic Philology 200r: Comparative Semitic Grammar: Seminar
5. Akkadian A (or equivalent)
6. Arabic A (or equivalent)
7. Aramaic A or C (or equivalent)
8. Ethiopic A (or equivalent)
9. Classical Hebrew A (or equivalent)
10. A second year of one Semitic language
11. A second year of a second Semitic language
12. A third year of one Semitic language

Students pursuing a graduate degree in Semitic Philology are required to meet the general graduate requirements for all students pursuing graduate degrees in the Department of Near Eastern Language and Civilizations.

In addition, other language and linguistics courses may be recommended by the student's advisor in consultation with the student, such as Arabic 146r, 240r, Classical Hebrew 138, Semitic Philology 151, 152, 220r, 230. French and German.



Faculty:

J. F. Coakley, Senior Lecturer on Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
John L. Ellison, Lecturer on Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
Jo Ann Hackett, Professor of of the Practice of Biblical Hebrew and Northwest Semitic Epigraphy
Wolfhard Heinrichs, James Richard Jewett Professor of Arabic
John Huehnergard, Professor of Semitic Philology

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Harvard University Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations