Degree programs in Ancient Near Eastern Studies are offered as a concentration within the BA- and MA-programs ''History and Cultures of the Ancient Near East.'' The programs have a strong philological and cultural focus. Introductory courses in Akkadian are regularly offered in the summer semester, Hittite and/or Sumerian in the winter semester. Additional courses in other languages are offered as well according to demand and availability. Further coursework is devoted to philological and historical methods and often closely tied in to the ongoing research projects of the institute. '