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. In this course students are introduced to the foundations of Sanskrit. The course balances traditional practices of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—speaking, chanting and singing.
Sanskrit is a demanding language. It involves the rigorous study of grammar, a considerable amount of memorisation, and high and sustained level of commitment. Previous language learning experience is a distinct advantage. All prospective students are encouraged to make an appointment with the convener to discuss the course before enrolling.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Pronounce all 49 sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet, read aloud simple example sentences, and chant the weekly verses accurately and joyously.
- Write all 49 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet correctly, including conjunct consonants; write simple sentences accurately and aesthetically.
- Use a vocabulary of 120 items.
- Demonstrate an understanding and use of grammatical structures to read short texts and to translate basic sentences into and out of Sanskrit. These structures include: singular, dual and plural verb endings, for active and middle forms; the eight nominal cases; pronouns and adjectives; and the gerund.
- Conduct simple conversations on such topics as: common greetings; friends and families; food and drink; and times of day.
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the history, origins, status, and uses of Sanskrit.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. The total number of students for both SKRT1002 and SKRT6102 is capped at 36 students for Semester 1 2020. The undergraduate version of the course SKRT1002 is capped at 33 students and postgraduate version of the course SKRT6102 is capped at 3 students.
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On successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to engage at an Introductory level of Sanskrit.
Students with native speaker proficiency (may include cognate languages and dialects) must review the language proficiency assessment site and contact the CAP Student Centre for appropriate enrolment advice. Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to undertake a language proficiency assessment 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 undertake a language proficiency assessment 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.
Indicative Assessment
- Translation Assignment 1 (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Translation Assignment 2 (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Take-Home Exam (30) [LO 2,3,4]
- Spoken Sanskrit Test (10) [LO 1,3,5,6]
- Weekly Verses (continuous) (10) [LO 1]
- Weekly Exercises (continuous) (10) [LO 2,3,4]
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.
Workload
This course requires a total of 130 hrs of work on the following activities.
Each week, students are expected to study as follows:
1. 30 minutes on weekly verse: Listen to the paradigm and explanation in the e-text. Practice singing the verse. Upload the audio into Wattle.
2. 30 minutes on Spoken Sanskrit: Listen to the explanation in the e-text. Practice and memorise the forms. Complete the online quiz as required.
3. 7 hours on grammar and written Sanskrit: Listen to the explanation and read through the grammar notes in the e-text. Complete the written exercises and self-correct your work. Upload your work into Wattle.
4. 2 hours participating in one online class.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
The Joy of Sanskrit - https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/joy-sanskrit
T. Egenes, Introduction to Sanskrit, Vols 1 and 2 (2nd edition or later)
A. Ruppel, The Cambridge Introduction to Sanskrit
Preliminary Reading
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3630 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
