This course is an introduction to Classical Armenian (Grabar), the oldest written form of the ancient tongue of Armenia. A vast corpus of texts of biblical, religious, theological, exegetical, moral, historical, philosophical, linguistic, rhetorical, calendrical nature as well as law codices and translations from Greek, Syriac, Arabic, Old French, Latin, etc., some of which bear witness to lost originals, enable the student to explore an infinite wealth of wisdom and knowledge, history and literature in the widest sense of the word. Robert W. Thomson's A Textbook of Classical Armenian (second edition) will be used for weekly lessons on grammar, which will be illustrated and reinforced with a variety of passages from the Bible and old Armenian authors (Agathangelos, Eznik, Ghazar Parpetsi, Epic Histories, Eghishe, Movses Khorenatsi, etc). By the end of the first semester the students will have mastered the Armenian alphabet and acquired a basic, working vocabulary; reading proficiency; some familiarity with Armenian history and literature; and an adequate exposure to different Armenian scripts throughout history. In the second semester, reading and analyzing texts will continue with a reasonable effort to introduce texts tailored to some of the interests and needs of the students.