Sumerian 1: module 3

This is a year-long introduction to Sumerian, the oldest attested language on earth. A good reason to learn Sumerian is to gain access to a large body of little-known, very ancient and truly fascinating literature. including the Descent of Inanna, in which the goddess of love (later known as Ishtar) attempts to take control of the underworld, and the earliest fragments of the stories surrounding the epic hero Bilgames (called...

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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 25 Apr 2026
    End Date: 27 Jun 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 14:15 - 15:45
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: RN428
    Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £142.00
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In stock
SKU
251383
Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £142.00

What is the course about?

The aim of the course is to provide a solid introduction to the Sumerian language and the cuneiform script in which it is written.

What will we cover?

Although the course is primarily one of language instruction, we will touch more broadly on themes of Mesopotamian history and culture.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Read and write basic Sumerian
  • Use sign and vocabulary lists
  • Understand general rules of syntax and sentence structure.
  • Gain insight into the field of Sumerian literature and culture more generally, and how it fits into the history of the ancient Near East.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is intended for those who have completed Sumerian 1 module 2 or who have equivalent knowledge.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classroom contact involving translating into and from Sumerian will be complemented with between one to two hours per week of homework.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian by Bowen and Lewis (Digital Hammurabi Press, 2018) ISBN 978-1734358605. Starting point: beginning of the textbook.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can advance to further studies in Sumerian. The tutor will be able to advise.

Vaughan Pilikian

Vaughan Pilikian is an artist, writer and teacher. He has degrees in Classics, Sanskrit and Assyriology.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.