Sanskrit, the classical language of India, has long been renowned for its beauty, subtlety and complexity. It is the key to the civilisational treasures of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and provides direct access to a vast repository of literary, scientific and philosophical wisdom.
The Advanced Sanskrit Language Minor is for students who already have a high level of competence in Sanskrit. It deepens students’ knowledge and critical understanding of Sanskrit language and its associated culture. The courses included in this Advanced Minor balance the traditional practice of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—chanting and singing. By its completion, students will be able to independently read texts from a wide range of genres, and will be able to chant and recite with a high degree of accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this minor, students will have the knowledge and skills at an Advanced level of Sanskrit to:
1. Translate the texts at hand with a high level of competence in using a Sanskrit-English dictionary;
2. Demonstrate thorough understanding of the advanced grammatical structures employed in Sanskrit, and demonstrate expertise in using reference grammars;
3. Appraise the linguistic registers of the root texts, and their place among the various genres of Sanskrit literature, and reflect this in appropriate English translation. Respond creatively to the root text in an appropriate medium;
4. Demonstrate an ability to interpret commentarial texts, showing an understanding of commentarial techniques and vocabulary;
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the social and historical contexts of text at hand.
Other Information
A student may not take a course that is a prerequisite or a lower level than a course which they have already passed.
To gain entry into this sub plan, students who are commencing language studies will be required to take a proficiency placement test before enrolling for the first time. Students will not be permitted to enrol in a course at a lower than the level they achieve in the placement test, and may be exempted from compulsory courses.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
SKRT3005 Sanskrit 6
SKRT3002 Advanced Sanskrit Literature A
SKRT3003 Advanced Sanskrit Literature B
A maximum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
SKRT3004 Sanskrit 5
ASIA3083 Research Topics in South and Southeast Asian Languages A
ASIA3108 Research Topics in South and Southeast Asian Languages B
