BP – Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages
Bologna Process
Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages
The Bachelor’s Program in Ancient Iraqi Languages, offered through two specialized tracks—Cuneiform Studies and Oriental Languages—is a four-year undergraduate program with a total study load of 240 ECTS credits. The program aims to prepare graduates with specialized academic knowledge of the ancient languages of Iraq, as well as the archaeology and history of Iraq, while equipping them with the theoretical and practical skills required to study and analyze various cuneiform texts, including Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian texts, in addition to Syriac, Aramaic, and Hebrew texts and manuscripts.
The study plan is distributed over eight academic semesters, with 30 credits allocated to each semester, in accordance with the attached curriculum. The first and second levels consist of common courses shared by both tracks, while specialized courses for the Cuneiform Studies and Oriental Languages tracks are introduced at the third and fourth levels
The program also incorporates practical and methodological components, including archaeological surveying and excavation, documentation, conservation and restoration, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), scientific research methods, practical training, and a graduation project.
| The Department of Archaeology aims to:
1. To provide students with integrated knowledge for reading cuneiform texts in Sumerian and Akkadian (Babylonian and Assyrian), as well as texts in the Oriental languages (Syriac, Hebrew, and Aramaic), with emphasis on the linguistic and translation aspects and the grammatical analysis of texts, and on analyzing the information they contain in a way that enriches knowledge of the civilization of Mesopotamia. 2. To develop the ability to identify archaeological sites, buildings, and artifacts, and to classify and analyze them within their temporal, spatial, and cultural contexts. 3. To equip students with the foundations of survey, excavation, recording, documentation, drawing, photography, and archaeological analysis. 4. To make use of archaeological, historical, and written sources — including cuneiform texts — in constructing archaeological interpretation. 5. To develop scientific research skills, the formulation of research problems, and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. 6. To advance the use of modern technologies, particularly GIS, digital documentation, databases, and digital imaging. 7. To prepare students for fieldwork and for work in museums and heritage, cultural, and research institutions. 8. To promote the protection and preservation of cultural heritage and respect for legislation and the ethics of archaeological work. 9. To develop scientific communication, teamwork, time management, and professional responsibility. 10. To prepare graduates for postgraduate studies, lifelong learning, and professional development.
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For more details on the vision, mission, and objectives of the Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages / College of Archaeology 2025–2026 (PDF), please visit the following link:
Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the graduate is awarded the Bachelor’s Degree in Ancient Iraqi Languages (Bachelor’s Degree in Ancient Iraqi Languages), in accordance with the approved regulations and instructions.
The program is classified at Level 6 of the Iraqi National Qualifications Framework (INQF), in accordance with the legislation and instructions in force, taking into account institutional and ministerial requirements upon final accreditation.
Admission is subject to the regulations and instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the University, and the admission channel approved for the year of admission.
To obtain the Bachelor’s Degree in Ancient Iraqi Languages (Cuneiform Studies – Oriental Languages), the student must successfully satisfy all graduation requirements, including:
- Completing 240 ECTS/units in accordance with the approved study plan.
- Passing all compulsory and elective courses.
- Achieving the minimum required GPA and graduation requirements.
- Completing the practical, field, and training requirements.
- Completing and defending the graduation project in accordance with the regulations.
- Complying with examination regulations, academic progression rules, and scientific integrity.
Course equivalency or recognition of prior learning is considered in cases of transfer or course equivalency, in accordance with the instructions in force, based on a comparison of content, learning outcomes, and study load.
| Upon successful completion of the Bachelor’s (B.Sc.) program in Ancient Iraqi Languages, graduates are expected to achieve the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), or Graduate Outcomes (GOs), which describe the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required at graduation: |
| Learning Outcome Symbol | Learning Outcome Symbol |
| PLO1 | Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of reading and analyzing cuneiform texts (Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian) and Oriental-language texts (Syriac, Hebrew, and Aramaic). |
| PLO2 | Identify the types of archaeological sites, buildings, artifacts, and materials, classify them, and relate them to their contexts. |
| PLO3 | Understand the fundamental approaches, theories, and concepts of archaeology and its ancient languages. |
| PLO4 | Understand the value of archaeological, historical, and written sources — including cuneiform texts — in archaeological interpretation. |
| PLO5 | Apply the basic methods of archaeological survey, excavation, recording, and documentation. |
| PLO6 | Use methods for transliterating cuneiform texts, and for photographing, describing, classifying, and recording artifacts and sites. |
| PLO7 | Collect data on archaeological texts and organize, analyze, and scientifically interpret it. |
| PLO8 | Use appropriate digital technologies, including GIS and digital documentation. |
| PLO9 | Analyze the information contained in various written texts and relate it to the historical and cultural context in order to reach scientific conclusions. |
| PLO10 documenting, and managing sites according to professional standards. | Apply archaeological knowledge to the study of sites and artifacts within professional contexts. |
| PLO11 | Participate competently in reading cuneiform texts as well as in survey, excavation, and documentation work, in accordance with professional standards. |
| PLO12 | Apply the fundamental principles of protecting, safeguarding, and preserving antiquities and cultural heritage. |
| PLO13 | Prepare reports, research, and studies on cuneiform texts and Oriental-language manuscripts, and present their results in a scientific manner. |
| PLO14 | Use critical thinking and logical analysis in evaluating archaeological evidence and texts. |
| PLO15 | Work effectively within teams and bear individual and collective responsibility. |
| PLO16 | Adhere to the ethics of research and archaeological work, scientific integrity, and legislation. |
| PLO17 | Demonstrate the ability for continuous learning and for developing professional knowledge and skills. |
| PLO18 | Employ archaeological knowledge and skills in the service of the community and in the sustainable protection and development of heritage. |
The Bachelor’s Program in Ancient Iraqi Languages is aligned with the Iraqi National Qualifications Framework at Level 6. The table below shows how the program outcomes align with the main learning domains defined in the Iraqi National Qualifications Framework, ensuring that graduates acquire the knowledge, skills, competencies, and professional values required to practice the profession effectively and to participate in lifelong learning.
| 1. Aligning Learning Outcomes with INQF | |
| Learning Domain | Program Learning Outcomes / Graduate Outcomes (GOs) |
| Knowledge and Understanding | PLO1–PLO4 Reading cuneiform texts and manuscripts, curricula and theories, civilizations, and archaeological sources:. |
| Skills | PLO5–PLO9Reading cuneiform texts, excavation, documentation, drawing, photography, data analysis, and digital technologies. |
| Application | PLO10–PLO12: Applying knowledge in fieldwork, site management, and heritage protection. |
| Values and Responsibility | PLO13–PLO18: Communication, research, teamwork, ethics, continuous learning, and community service. |
| The program’s learning outcomes are achieved through the integrated delivery of the curriculum of the Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages. The matrix below shows the degree of alignment between the core courses and the program learning outcomes, indicating how each course contributes to developing the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies expected of graduates. |
| Core Course | GO1 | GO2 | GO3 | GO4 | GO5 | GO6 | GO7 |
| Introduction to Archaeology | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| History of Ancient Iraq | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Civilization of Mesopotamia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Akkadian Language | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Cuneiform Writing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Sumerian and Akkadian Texts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Babylonian and Assyrian Texts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Archaeological Excavation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Scientific Research Methods | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Transliteration of Assyrian Cuneiform Writings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Conservation and Restoration of Cuneiform Texts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Cuneiform Inscriptions on Obelisks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Editing (Critical Study) of the Cuneiform Text | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Literature of Mesopotamia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Syriac Script | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Old Testament Aramaic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Conservation and Restoration of Antiquities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Mandaic Language | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Museology | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Comparative Semitic Studies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Hebrew Script | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Comparative Literary Texts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Introduction to Linguistic Lexicons | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Field Training / Practical Applications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Graduation Project | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Core Course | GO1 | GO2 | GO3 | GO4 | GO5 | GO6 | GO7 |
Bachelor of Science Arts in Archaeology graduates are qualified for professional careers in a wide range of public and private sectors, including:
| 1. Overview of Professional Graduates / Overview of Graduates’ Occupations |
| Graduates of the Bachelor’s Program in Ancient Iraqi Languages are qualified to practice professions and occupy positions across a wide range of public- and private-sector fields . |
- Government institutions and bodies concerned with antiquities and cultural heritage.
- Museums and cultural institutions.
- Missions and institutions working in excavation, survey, and documentation.
- Archaeological and historical research and study centers.
- Conservation and restoration projects for sites, artifacts, and archaeological texts.
- Digital documentation and data-management and digital-heritage projects.
- Institutions and organizations concerned with heritage protection.
- Tourism and cultural institutions and heritage management.
- Universities and educational and research institutions, upon completion of appointment or postgraduate-study requirements.
Tourism companies, international and local organizations, and civil-society organizations.
- 1. Master’s degree in Ancient Iraqi Languages.
- 2. Doctorate in Ancient Iraqi Languages.
The Master’s and Doctoral programs specialize in the following specific fields: Ancient Iraqi Languages and Cuneiform Writings.
A full-time four-year program consisting of eight semesters. It adopts student-centered learning and integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, research, field training, and digital technologies, in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process.
Regulatory Note: The attached study plan indicates a total of 30 credits per semester. It must be confirmed that these credits are ECTS credits, or the official conversion factor must be specified in the program document before adopting them as ECTS credits.
The program coordinator is responsible for following up on the implementation of the plan, coordinating among the courses and faculty members, monitoring the achievement of the learning outcomes, following up on training, research, and assessment, supporting quality-assurance and continuous-improvement procedures, and coordinating with the relevant academic and administrative bodies
