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Northwest Semitic Epigraphy: Nabataean

Vak
2025-2026

Admission requirements

15 ECs of Classical (or Biblical) Hebrew or another Northwest Semitic language such as any other Aramaic dialect. If in question, please get in touch with the course teacher.

Description

This course will give students the opportunity to learn Nabataean, the Aramaic language used by the Nabataeans to write their inscriptions. Students will engage with the language and alphabet and their evolution over time. Students will also engage with the history of Nabataea and of the scholarship on Nabataean and the Nabataeans.

Course objectives

Knowledge and Insight

  • Good understanding of Nabataean grammar and orthography

  • Knowledge of the Nabataean Alphabet

  • Knowledge of Nabataean history

  • Familiarity with the apparatus (main grammars, dictionaries and text editions)

Skill

  • Give a grammatical analysis of Nabataean inscriptions

  • Analyse and Interpret these texts in their historical, archaeological and linguistic contexts

  • Use of digital tools to further the study of these inscriptions

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Seminar

Assessment method

Assessment

10% Participation
10% Essay Proposal
50% 5,000 word essay
30% Drawing of invented Hebrew or Moabite inscription with short reflection

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.

Resit

If an essay is not good enough to pass it can be resubmitted for a second opportunity.

Inspection and feedback

Students are encourage to avail themselves of the feedback tutorials offered after every bit of assessment.

Reading list

Reading material will be handed out in the first session.

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.

Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange

Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.

Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.

For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.

Contact

  • For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

  • For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal Reuvensplaats Huizinga De Vrieshof

Student Affairs Office for BA International Studies

Remarks

Not applicable.