Topics explore themes and problems in the various fields of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. They often reflect the research interests of the instructor and supplement regular curricular offerings. Specific descriptions of current offerings in this series are available through the department.

This course provides an introduction to the script and grammar of Ge’ez (ግዕዝ), or Classical Ethiopic. Ge’ez/Ethiopic is a Semitic language that was historically spoken in the Ethio-Eritrean highlands and the writing system utilizes a modified form of the ancient Sabaean or South Arabian script. Although it no longer constitutes a spoken language, today Ge'ez survives as the liturgical language of the Eritrean and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. In addition, the vast number of surviving Ethiopic manuscripts around the world preserve many ancient and medieval texts translated from several languages including Greek, Arabic, and Syriac. As a result, Ge'ez provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in comparative Semitics or in cross-cultural comparative literary studies. This course will introduce students to the script and grammar (morphology and syntax) of Classical Ethiopic. Students will also have the opportunity to practice what they learn by translating some excerpts from Ge'ez texts. This course represents the first half of a two-semester course. During the second semester, students will have the opportunity to build their Ge'ez vocabulary, gain a deeper understanding of Ge'ez grammar, and translate longer Ge'ez texts.

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