Armenian Language (CLAR)

This course will introduce students to Old (or "Classical") Armenian, the literary form of the language from the fifth to the nineteenth century and the liturgical language of the Armenian Orthodox Church today. An Indo-European language, Armenian is distantly related to Greek, Latin, English, and other western languages. It has a vast library of literature comprised of original compositions as well as translations from Greek, Syriac, Latin, and Arabic, among others. Some ancient texts, like certain works of Philo, Irenaeus, and Eusebius, survive only in Armenian translation. Other original compositions, like the prayer book of Gregory of Narek, are masterpieces of world literature. Students will learn the Armenian alphabet, basic grammar, and vocabulary, and will read simple prose narratives, while also gaining an appreciation for the culture and tradition of one of the ancient Christian peoples of the East. The course will be of interest to students in classics, medieval/byzantine/near eastern studies, biblical studies, theology, and liturgy.