COURSE CURRICULUM

The Research Master in Assyriology at Leiden University provides a rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to the study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The program combines advanced language training in Akkadian, Sumerian, Hittite, and Elamite with a deep exploration of historical, social, and cultural contexts. Students gain skills in analyzing cuneiform texts, understanding epigraphy, and interpreting archaeological evidence, all while situating their research within broader societal and historical frameworks. A hallmark of the program is its strong research orientation, where students design a personalised study trajectory in consultation with a faculty supervisor, including research seminars, electives, and methodological courses that enhance independent scholarly inquiry.A unique aspect of the program is its shared Common Courses with other Classics and Ancient Civilizations specialisations, which encourage interdisciplinary exchange. These courses explore cultural phenomena that transcend individual disciplines. For example, the course on Slavery in the Ancient World examines definitions, practices, and societal attitudes toward slavery across different ancient societies, encouraging critical engagement with both classical and modern perspectives. The course on Libraries and Archives in the Ancient World investigates how various civilizations preserved and organized knowledge, including famous collections like the Royal Library of Ashurbanipal and the Library of Alexandria, highlighting issues of access, organization, and cultural function.The program offers a wide array of electives, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their research interests. Electives include language courses in Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, and Elamite; studies of Mesopotamian religion, trade, economy, and empire; cuneiform epigraphy; and the history of Babylonian medicine and science. Through this combination of core, common, and elective courses, students develop advanced analytical, methodological, and research skills. The program culminates in an individually supervised thesis project, where students contribute original research to the field. Graduates are well-prepared for doctoral studies, academic careers, or positions in museums, archives, and cultural heritage institutions.