Advanced Sanskrit Literature B is a high-level reading course in Sanskrit literature. The four-year Sanskrit program is designed to introduce students to the broadest possible range of literary genres, including epic narrative, courtly poetry, drama, and sutras. This course introduces final-year students to Vedic Sanskrit, the precursor of Classical Sanskrit, through the investigation of a range of Vedic texts representing different aspects of the language, thought, and practices of the thought-world of the Vedas.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Develop sophisticated independent translations of Vedic texts and employ specialist reference materials with an advanced level of competence.
2. Demonstrate significant development of an understanding of Vedic grammar and an appreciation of the linguistic registers of the root text in contrast with other genres of Sanskrit literature.
3. Demonstrate sustained consideration of the influences of oral/aural textual transmission upon textual composition and be able to apply this awareness to textual analysis and interpretation.
4. Identify connections between key concerns in Vedic religious culture and their expression through the language, style, and structure of Vedic texts.
5. Engage critically with past and present scholarship on Vedic texts and culture.
6. Pursue independent lines of inquiry in the development of an individual research project on Vedic texts.

Recommended Resources

Macdonell, Arthur A. Vedic Grammar.

Olivelle, Patrick. 1998. The Early Upanishads. Bilingual edition with Sanskrit text and English translation.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Weeks 1-6 In the first half of semester, classes will focus on late Vedic texts and the core research methodologies and approaches used in Vedic Studies. Students will be required to complete a set amount of Sanskrit to English translation prior to class each week and read the allocated secondary materials. Class discussions will address issues of textual analysis and interpretation in light of modern scholarship.	During Weeks 1-6, students will each be required to develop an independent research proposal. The research proposal must address a theme or question relating to Vedic texts and/or Vedic Studies and outline the student's proposed means of investigation. Critical engagement with relevant and up-to-date secondary scholarship is expected. The development of the proposal will be supported through pre-class readings, in-class discussions and group activities, and consultation with the convenor.
2	Weeks 7-12 Classes in the second half of semester will continue to introduce research methodologies used in Vedic Studies and will focus on the application and evaluation of different interpretative strategies. Primary sources will be decided through discussion with the convenor in accordance with the interests of the class. Students will be required to complete a set amount of Sanskrit to English translation prior to class each week and read the allocated secondary materials.	During Weeks 7-12, students will develop individual research projects based on the proposals submitted in the first half of semester. The research projects must include evidence of textual analysis, including independent translations from Vedic texts. The development of the research project will be supported through in-class discussions and activities, consultation with the convenor, and the recommendation of further readings.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research Proposal	20 %	06/09/2020	13/09/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6
Take-Home Translation Assessment	30 %	09/10/2020	16/10/2020	1,2,3,4
Research Project	50 %	16/11/2020	23/11/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Research Proposal

Students will submit a written research proposal of 1000 words relating to texts or themes studied in the course. The research proposal should include a sample of independent textual analysis and preliminary investigation of relevant secondary scholarship. Written and/or oral feedback will generally be provided by the convenor within one week of submission.

Assessment Task 2

Take-Home Translation Assessment

Students will have one week to complete a take-home assessment consisting of unseen Vedic Sanskrit text for translation and analysis. The textual selection will relate to materials and themes studied in class. Students will be required to provide a full grammatical analysis and translation. Written and/or oral feedback will generally be provided by the convenor within one week of submission.

Assessment Task 3

Research Project

Students will submit individual research projects on a question or theme that has been developed over the course of the semester. The research project can take a variety of forms but must have been decided in agreement with the course convenor. The research project should include independent translations and textual analysis of one or more primary sources. Students are expected to demonstrate critical engagement with relevant secondary materials. The research project should be approximately 4000 words in length. Written and/or oral feedback will generally be provided by the convenor within one week of submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students