Photo courtesy of the Trustees of the British Museum

Global
Professor Group

How to learn Akkadian online
The modern way to learn a language from 2500 BC
How to learn Akkadian online

The way to learn Akkadian online is with a live, experienced teacher using the premiere Akkadian textbooks and literature. The authoritative reference and most in-depth textbook is A Grammar of Akkadian (Harvard Semitic Museum Studies, 45) by John Huehnergard (Professor Emeritus of Harvard). Akkadian literature and grammar should be further explored by studying of the world's first great work of fiction, the Epic of Gilgamesh. The three ancient cuneiform scripts can be learned through a carefully designed regiment of reading, writing, and repetition under the direction of an experienced instructor.

Anyone can learn Akkadian online

Although Akkadian is a challenging subject of study, anyone can learn it using the proven teaching methods of Global Professor Group's Richard Jude Thompson (Ph.D. Harvard University, 2011, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations).

Dr. Thompson has transformed Huehnergard's thirty-eight-lesson textbook into three online courses of thirty lessons each and spread out into a format designed to accommodate students with busy lives. In a live classroom environment online, the student will work with an experienced online professor, Dr. Thompson, who will help and guide the student through the courses. Along with the grammar, the online courses delve into tablet 1 of the text of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the first fiction novel in world history. In each lesson, the student will analyze one line of Gilgamesh, and by the end of the three courses, a student will have read and analyzed the first ninety lines of tablet I of Gilgamesh.

Anyone can learn to read, write, and type the three ancient cuneiform scripts. Anyone can learn Dr. Thompson’s language memorization techniques. Anyone can learn the historical background and culture behind the language and the literature of the Mesopotamians.

Why should you learn Babylonian Akkadian?

Akkadian is known as one of the first written languages in human history, with roots in ancient Mesopotamia – sometimes referred to as the cradle of civilization. Babylonian Akkadian dates back to before 2000 BCE, over four millennia ago. For this reason, languages like Akkadian are foundational to the study of linguistics.

Through Global Professor Group’s Akkadian curriculum, you’ll learn more than just rote transliteration of characters and phrases – this immersive program, based on Amelie Kuhrt’s history, The Ancient Near East: 3000-300 BC, gives students a holistic exploration of the history of the Babylonian and Assyrian region and the development of the language. A thorough, line-by-line reading of The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest-known pieces of literature, that connects Akkadian to the earliest versions of The Bible provides an in-depth educational experience unique to Dr. Thompson’s program.

What’s the best way to learn Akkadian at home?

While some programs require intensive preparation and up to five hours a day of study, Dr. Richard Thompson’s curriculum works with real people’s schedules. 90 lessons, split up into 1-hr segments to help you learn Akkadian incrementally, holistically, and thoroughly.

We all lead busy lives, and that’s why Global Professor Group has built an Akkadian course that doesn’t demand a full-time pupil’s commitment. Each lesson is structured with 20-25 slides that take about 50 minutes with an interspersed 10 minutes of class discussion. Richard Jude Thompson, Ph.D., provides full .pdf downloads of all course materials, including his own exhaustive notes from his extensive studies of Akkadian and related languages, so students can revisit and catch-up as needed.

Using John Huehnergard’s seminal text A Grammar of Akkadian, students will learn the language from the ground up. While this book is thorough, Dr. Thompson’s lesson plan splits Huehnergard’s dense studies into easy-to-understand bits, accompanied by a line-by-line reading of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Course participants will see their comprehension of Akkadian grow with each lesson.

Why is it important to learn Akkadian properly?

Participants in this online Akkadian course will go beyond transliteration and into understanding by learning the foundations of the language. In addition to drawing the ancient cuneiform with pen and paper and also touchpads/mouse, students learn Old Babylonian carved Hammurabi-style text, Old Bablyonian handwritten “cursive” script, and neo-Assyrian script, creating a solid base upon which comprehension of Akkadian can be built. Through this method, the classic text of The Epic of Gilgamesh will unfold and evolve as one learns more than just the sounds that the characters stood for, but also the meaning behind the words as one reads.

Why study The Epic of Gilgamesh in the original Akkadian?

Similar to how scholars of The Bible seek out text in the original Hebrew, it’s always best to study works in their native languages. The Epic of Gilgamesh, while technically an epic poem, is widely considered one of the first novel-length pieces of writing in human history. Students of the Global Professor Group’s Akkadian course will learn to appreciate the text for its original insight into the history and spirit of Babylonia and Assyria.

Why learn Akkadian from Richard Jude Thompson, Ph.D.?

Dr. Thompson has earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University in 2011 and has taught online ancient Near Eastern languages for over fourteen years. In addition to Akkadian, he teaches Aramaic, Classical Hebrew, and Classic Greek. His unique approach to language combines John Huehnergard’s A Grammar of Akkadian, with The Epic of Gilgamesh.

While Huehnergard’s A Grammar of Akkadian is considered the gold-standard for Akkadian textbooks, it is quite dense, and can seem intimidating to a first-time learner of ancient languages. Dr. Thompson has designed Global Professor Group’s Akkadian course in a way that breaks A Grammar of Akkadian up into digestible morsels. In addition to the line-by-line reading of The Epic of Gilgamesh supplemented by Huehnergard’s text, Dr. Thompson shares his own hand-written notes from his studies to aid them in homework or learning on their own time. This incremental approach eases students into the Akkadian language while allowing them to build a firm base of comprehension as they work through the lectures and text. After completion of the 90-lesson course, students can continue to read Akkadian in a fourth course, which covers the rest of The Epic up to the last line 281. Students will have learned to perform their own independent research and to seek out new and exciting resources for continuing their studies.

What’s different about Global Professor Group’s approach to learning Akkadian?

Dr. Thompson’s students aren’t simply lectured at, but rather they are invited to participate actively in the discussion, working, and exploring as a group. This approach sets Global Professor Group apart from other Akkadian programs online.

How is Global Professor Group’s Akkadian course structured?

Students who enroll in Richard Thompson Ph.D.’s Akkadian language program are given exclusive access not just to course materials, but also Dr. Thompson’s decades of linguistic expertise. The course textbook is supplemented with comprehensive notes and lecture slides, all of which are shared as .pdfs for future recall and reference.

Global Professor Group’s Akkadian curriculum follows John Huehnergard’s textbook, A Grammar of Akkadian. and divides the 38 chapters out across three separate courses. The first course, for instance, covers chapters 1-12, after which students should feel prepared to move forward with further exploration. After completion of the third course, one will have a thorough knowledge of Babylonian Akkadian and will feel confident in leading their own independent further study of the language.

What does a lesson look like?

Students prep by reading the assigned chapters of A Grammar of Akkadian on their own time, alongside Dr. Thompson’s exhaustive notes and additional materials.

  1. Students review the prior lesson’s vocabulary, signs, and homework.
  2. Students fill in the answers to the new materials from A Grammar of Akkadian.
  3. Students read, write, parse, and translate the new line from The Epic of Gilgamesh.
  4. Students write the new signs and vocabulary.
  5. Intermittent discussion and questions about the lesson.

What does the Akkadian course come with?

Students of Professor Thompson's Akkadian courses begin a study of one of the great historical and literary subjects in human history. We explore the origins of writing itself, through a proven, hands-on approach. Our courses unlock knowledge previously only available at graduate-level courses at top universities.

Personal world-class instruction from one of the leading scholars of Near-eastern languages and civilizations, Harvard Ph.D. Richard Thompson.
Detailed intruction on writing and reading three kinds of ancient cuneiform scripts.
All course materials and lessons in advance, including 30 detailed slides per course that match with the Huehnergard textbook.
Dr. Thompson's extensive personal textbook notes over 30 years of Akkadian studies, helping demystify the world's greatest Akkadian reference books.
A lifelong resource for continued learning and knowledge.

Professor Richard Jude Thompson, Ph.D.

Dr. Thompson is a top scholar of ancient languages and a dedicated, experienced online teacher. He teaches every one of Global Professor Group's Akkadian lessons personally, directing the classroom or the private student through each lesson.

Education
Ph.D., Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University (2011), Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.
A.M., Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Harvard University (2004), Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.
A.L.M., Liberal Arts, Extension Studies, Harvard University (1993), Cambridge, MA. U.S.A.
A.L.B., Liberal Arts, Extension Studies, cum laude, Harvard University (1991), Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.
Teaching
Dr. Thompson has thirteen years experience teaching ancient languages at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University, and eTeacher Group/Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Since 2020, Dr. Thompson has served as the Pedagogical Advisor for Hebrew University, where he advises other teachers how to structure their online classes.
Languages
Ancient: Akkadian, Classical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ancient Greek.
Dr. Thompson is fluent in several languages and instructs courses in English, Spanish, German, Modern Hebrew, and French.
Publications
Terror of the Radiance: Aššur Covenant to YHWH Covenant, OBO 258, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen: 2013.
“Geshem” to “Hodesh”, Dr. Thompson’s contributions to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception.
Testimonials for Dr. Thompson's Akkadian Courses
I was one of the very first students for the online Akkadian I and Akkadian II courses taught by Richard Jude Thompson. First off, let me say that Richard is a fantastic teacher. He always carefully explained every detail and aspect of Akkadian grammar during our classes. He was more than patient while I wrote out the cuneiform signs. Taking Akkadian classes with Richard was a very enriching and satisfying experience. I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend these classes for anyone interested in this subject. The instruction was First-class!
-Steven Schoonover
Professor Thompson made learning Akkadian interesting and enjoyable. He thoroughly understands the subject matter, and was always patient and flexible throughout my lessons. I definitely recommend these online courses to anyone who wants to become familiar with Akkadian.
-MLV
Fabulous. Just outstanding.
-David Gunn
Harvard Divinity School Student Feedback for Professor Thompson
1) “phenomenal—a great teacher”;

2) “extremely effective—best ‘prof.’ at HDS”;

3) “superior”;

4) “excellent . . . challenging . . . rewarding”;

5) “fantastic . . . I am really learning Hebrew for the first time”;

6) “loves his subject . . . comes well-prepared”;

7) “provides much background info.”
Testimonials for Dr. Thompson's Other Teaching
You are among the smartest people I know. Your teaching can only be described as outstanding, and your life itself needs to be told. Your class was the only one I looked forward to each week. I will miss it dearly.
-M
Maestro Richard: Shalom!!
Agradezco muchísmo su trabajo, su sabiduría su esfuerzo por enseñar en español. Es el segundo curso que hago con usted y en las dos ocasiones ha sido una buena experiencia. Gracias por su paciencia para explicar hasta que quedara entendido el tema, gracias por su apertura para permitir corregir la traducción al español, ¡Eso es un gran valor en usted! Como Maestra he aprendido a tener alma de discípulo para dejarme enriquecer por mis alumnos. Gracias por explicar más allá de lo que a veces preguntaba, eso me enriqueció mucho, admiro todo su conocimiento de las lenguas semitas.
Pido a Nuestro Dios, en quien creemos y que nos une en un mismo sentir que extienda sobre usted todas las bendiciones que Él en su amor desea para usted.
Me despido con el corazón lleno de gratitud
ס יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ׃ ס יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם׃
(Num. 6,24-25)
-G.E.S.P.
Brilliant and Excellent instructor, very patient in helping with every aspect of this beginner course lessons. I am now able to read, write, and understand so far what he instructed us as a class on. Will be happy to have him again if I should take up course B. A raise in salary for him please.
-Mrs A.A.B.
Mi experiencia es 100% satisfactoria, ya que los docentes son instructores con un alto nivel de conocimiento en cada tema tratado.
-FEC
Excelente profesor. Muy profesional, buena pedagogía, excelente lección. Mucho aprendizaje bien construido de la mano experta del profesor.
-N.A.S

Register for Class

Classes begin upon request Learn More

About Global Professor Group – Reconstituting the Ancient and Universal Ideal of the University

The Global Professor Group system has created a platform for other Professors (those holding Ph.D.s) to connect with a global pool of students, who want to learn and to participate in the ancient and universal concept of the University. In such a University, the professor earns a high percentage of the amount paid by each student to attend the course. It thus employs the methods based on the cumulative experience of education throughout the history of humanity. Dr. Richard Jude Thompson believes that this concept could create a revolution among exploited adjuncts across the world.

With Global Professor Group, Ph.D.s are allowed to teach any course within their expertise, create their own curricula, and connect with interested learners everywhere. Rather than hourly wages, the professors earn a high percentage of the amount paid by each student (The Ancient and Universal University Model) freeing up Ph.D.s to teach what they love and receive fair remuneration for their time—all while Unlocking Knowledge that heretofore was only available to pupils at high-level universities. Dr. Thompson refers to this process as demochratizing education (δήμῳ χράομαι / demoi chraomai “to use for the people”) just as in the great universities of the ancient world used to do.

Contact Us

Have Questions?
Would you like more details? Please contact us today.
* = required fields
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS *
TELEPHONE NUMBER
YOUR MESSAGE *
© 2024 Global Professor Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Home Courses About Register Sign In