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. At the ANU we seek to balance the traditional practice of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—speaking, chanting and singing—to provide a truly balanced curriculum. By the completion of the major, students will be able to independently read texts from a wide range of genres, they will have mastered basic spoken Sanskrit, and will be able to chant and recite with a high degree of accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
- Read a variety of literary genres, including Epic Sanskrit, courtly poetry and drama, smoothly and accurately, and chant or recite the root text in an appropriate manner.
- Translate the texts at hand with a high level of competence in using a Sanskrit-English dictionary.
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of the advanced grammatical structures employed in Sanskrit, and demonstrate expertise in using reference grammars.
- 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.
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret commentarial texts, showing an understanding of commentarial techniques and vocabulary.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the social and historical contexts of text at hand.
Other Information
Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take a language placement test to ensure enrolment at the most appropriate level.
Relevant past experience includes:
- Previous study of the language (both formal and informal, for example but not limited to, at school, or, home, or through online activities, etc.)
- Being exposed to the language in childhood via a family member or friend
- Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
- The language being spoken in your home (even if you do not speak it yourself)
Students who are not sure if they need to take a placement test should seek advice from the course or language convenor.
Students who intentionally misrepresent their language proficiency level may be investigated under the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 as having failed to comply with assessment directions and having sought unfair advantage. This may results in a penalty such as reduced grades or failure of the course.
Students are not permitted to enrol in a language course below one that they have already successfully completed, except with permission of the language and/or course convenor.
International students who are studying all or part of their program on a student visa are advised that this major is available for in-person and online study. Under the Education Services for Overseas Student Act 2000 (ESOS Act), international students on a student visa cannot do more than 33% of their study online. International students interested in enrolling in the online version of these courses should contact the CAP Student Centre (cap.student@anu.edu.au) for advice prior to enrolling.
Areas of Interest
- Asian Languages
- Translation Studies
- Asian Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Language Studies
- Asia-Pacific Studies
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
6 units from the completion of the following compulsory course(s):
SKRT3005 - Sanskrit 6 (6 units)
A minimum of 30 units from the completion of the following core courses:
ASIA3083 - Research Topics in South and Southeast Asian Languages A (6 units)*
ASIA3108 - Research Topics in South and Southeast Asian Languages B (6 units)*
SKRT1002 - Sanskrit 1 (6 units)
SKRT1003 - Sanskrit 2 (6 units)
SKRT2103 - Sanskrit 3 (6 units)
SKRT2104 - Sanskrit 4 (6 units)
SKRT3004 - Sanskrit 5 (6 units)
SKRT3002 - Advanced Sanskrit Literature A (6 units)
SKRT3003 - Advanced Sanskrit Literature B (6 units)
A maximum of 12 units from the completion of the following elective list:
ASIA2100 - Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific (L) (6 units)
ASIA2103 - Language in Asia and the Pacific (L) (6 units)
LANG3001 - Translation across Languages: the translation of literary texts (6 units)*
LANG3002 - Translation across Languages: specialised material (6 units)*
* Students must first complete ASIA3108 and ASIA3083, where appropriate, prior to enrolling into these LANG courses.
*These courses must have a Course Topic of Sanskrit to be included in this major.
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