• Class Number 2321
  • Term Code 3630
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Topic ANU Online
  • Mode of Delivery Online
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Stephanie Majcher
  • LECTURER
    • Dr Stephanie Majcher
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 23/02/2026
  • Class End Date 29/05/2026
  • Census Date 31/03/2026
  • Last Date to Enrol 02/03/2026
SELT Survey Results

Sanskrit 3 is an Introductory-Intermediate level course that supports students through the transition from textbook-based study of grammar and syntax to critical engagement with original Sanskrit texts. The first part of this course focuses on the advanced grammatical constructions that are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the Sanskrit language at an Intermediate level. These forms are studied firstly through the medium of the textbook, formal explanations, and practice texts, but are subsequently observed and discussed in the context of primary readings drawn from the story-telling tradition (katha). In the second part of this course, our textbook-based study is replaced with original readings from Sanskrit epics (itihasa). These readings advance students' understanding of the literary and compositional features of Sanskrit prose and verse texts and introduce the historical knowledge required to produce independent translations with cultural awareness. While focusing on colourful narratives and intriguing characters, this course guides students through the use of reference materials, such as Sanskrit grammars and dictionaries, supports the development of analytical skills that promote confidence in reading, and encourages critical explanation of Sanskrit texts in context.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Read original verse and prose narrative texts smoothly and accurately.
  2. Examine the vocabulary of the text in hand through the correct use of a Sanskrit-English dictionary.
  3. Demonstrate a working ability in using grammatical reference texts through the production of textual analyses at an Intermediate level.
  4. Critically identify and discuss a range of grammatical, compositional, and literary characteristics of primary texts in relation to historical and cultural context.
  5. Evaluate and produce critical English translations appropriate to a primary text's compositional features and cultural references.

Required Resources

Introduction to Sanskrit, Part 2

Author: Egenes, Thomas

Notes: Same textbook as used in Sanskrit 2 (SKRT1003)

Joy of Sanskrit (ebook)

Author: Taylor, M. and G. Scotellaro

Availability: Free download from ANU Press

The Little Red Book of Sanskrit Paradigms

Author: Taylor, M.

Sanskrit Grammar for Students

Author: Macdonell, A.

Sanskrit Reader

Author: Lanman, C. R.

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 Main Class Introduction to the course; Egenes 25 (Pronominal adjectives, Verb Classes 2 & 9). Prepare all exercises prior to class.Reading Session Commence reading prose selections of original Sanskrit texts (e.g., Hitopadesa) using Lanman's Sanskrit Reader
2 Main Class Egenes 26 (Reduplicated Perfect, Interrogative pronouns, Monosyllabic nouns, the Optative). Prepare all exercises prior to class.Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
3 Main Class Egenes 27 (Consonant-final nouns, the Infinitive, pronominal stem etad). Prepare all exercises prior to class.Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
4 Main Class Egenes 28 (Present participle, Absolute constructions). Prepare all exercises prior to class.Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts Short translation assessment 1 released in Week 4
5 Main Class Egenes 29 (Feminine nouns in -u, the Causative, pronominal stem ayam/idam). Prepare all exercises prior to class.Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts Short translation assessment 1 due for submission in Week 5
6 Main Class In-class discussion and practice activities on the Aorist and Desiderative formations (pre-class readings provided on Canvas)Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
7 Main Class Commence reading the tale of Nala and Damayanti (Lanman's Reader)Reading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
8 Main Class Continue reading Nala and DamayantiReading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
9 Main Class Continue reading Nala and DamayantiReading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts
10 Main Class Continue reading Nala and DamayantiReading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts Short translation assessment 2 released in Week 10
11 Main Class Continue reading Nala and DamayantiReading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts Short translation assessment 2 due for submission in Week 11
12 Main Class Continue reading Nala and DamayantiReading Session Continue reading prose selections from Hitopadesa and similar texts

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Learning Outcomes
Short translation assignment 1 30 % 1,2,3,4,5
Short translation assignment 2 30 % 1,2,3,4,5
Take-home translation exam 40 % 1,2,3,4,5

* 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:

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.

Participation

Students are expected to attend and participate in all weekly classes. When attendance is not possible, students are expected to listen to the audio recording of the class that was not attended and to contact the lecturer with any questions in a timely manner. Participation will be graded on the basis of individual contribution to class activities, including asking and responding to questions that arise during each session.

Assessment Task 1

Value: 30 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Short translation assignment 1

This course requires students to complete independent translations and grammatical analyses of short, original Sanskrit texts presented in the context of a Sanskrit Reader. The first translation assignment requires approximately 1500 words of analysis and translation of a prose text from the Sanskrit tradition of stories (katha). Students are expected to demonstrate ability at using grammatical reference materials, examine the text's vocabulary, and produce English translations that appropriately reflect the text's literary and cultural contexts.

  • This assignment will be released in Week 4 and is due for submission in Week 5.
  • The weighting of this assignment is 30% of the total grade for Sanskrit 3.
  • Verbal and written feedback will be provided within one week of submission (i.e., prior to 2026-03-31 census date)

Assessment Task 2

Value: 30 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Short translation assignment 2

The second translation assignment for this course requires approximately 1500 words of analysis and translation of an original verse text from the Sanskrit epic (itihasa) tradition. Students are expected to demonstrate ability at using grammatical reference materials, identify and discuss compositional features, and produce English translations that appropriately reflect the text's historical and cultural contexts.

  • This assignment will be released in Week 10 and is due for submission in Week 11.
  • The weighting of this assignment is 30% of the total grade for Sanskrit 3.
  • Verbal and written feedback will be provided within one week of submission.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 40 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Take-home translation exam

During the examination period, students will be required to complete a take-home translation assessment involving detailed grammatical analysis and translation of previously unseen Sanskrit text/s (verse or prose) related to the materials studied in class during the semester. This assessment requires approximately 2000 words of analysis, discussion, and translation. Students are expected to demonstrate critical engagement with the text through the identification and discussion of compositional features in relation to historical and cultural context and through the production of accurate English translations.

  • The take-home exam will be released on 2026-06-04 and is due for submission on 2026-06-11.
  • This assessment is weighted at 40% of the total grade for Sanskrit 3.

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 is 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).
Dr Stephanie Majcher
u4461137@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Stephanie Majcher

By Appointment
Sunday
Dr Stephanie Majcher
54323
stephanie.majcher@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Stephanie Majcher

By Appointment
Sunday

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions