Sanskrit 5 is a rigorous course that focuses on the development of the historical knowledge and advanced language skills required for the critical textual analysis, translation, and interpretation of works belonging to the tradition of Classical Sanskrit literature (kavya). In this course, students will be introduced both to some of the most celebrated works of this tradition as well as to questions of poetic innovation and novelty that influence modern academic studies of kavya. Throughout this course, students are expected to refine their ability to independently analyse and explain complex compositions and to reflect self-critically on their own interpretations and translations through reference to traditional and modern conceptual frameworks alike. The skills developed in this course equip students with the ability to independently engage with kavya alongside Sanskrit texts belonging to adjacent traditions, such as literary commentary, philosophy, and royal inscriptions.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Analyse and translate the vocabulary of the text in hand with a high level of competence in the use of Sanskrit-English dictionaries and secondary studies.
2. Demonstrate thorough understanding of and explain the advanced grammatical structures employed in Sanskrit literary compositions (poetry and prose) with reference to specialised grammatical texts where applicable.
3. Critically evaluate the linguistic registers and cultural references of the root text in comparison with other genres of Sanskrit composition.
4. Interpret commentarial texts, demonstrating understanding of commentarial techniques and vocabulary, and compare commentarial aims to the expression of the root text.
5. Develop critical and independent annotated translations that demonstrate awareness of the cultural and social contexts of Sanskrit kavya, with justification through comprehensive textual analysis and referencing.

Required Resources

Whitney, C. R. Sanskrit Grammar.

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 Session Introduction to the course and to Asvagho?a, his works, and their historical and cultural contexts.Commence reading Buddhacarita.
2	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Introduction to Saundarananda. Commence reading.
3	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.	Annotated translation assignment 1 is released on Monday, Week 3.
4	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.
5	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.	Annotated translation assignment 1 is due for submission on Monday, Week 5.
6	Main Session Feedback and discussion of annotated translation 1; continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.
7	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda*Selection of readings may change depending on class progress and research interests
8	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.	Annotated translation assignment 2 is released on Tuesday, Week 8.
9	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.
10	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.	Annotated translation assignment 2 is due on Tuesday, Week 10.
11	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.
12	Main Session Continue reading Buddhacarita.Reading Session Continue reading Saundarananda.Course conclusions and final discussions.
13	Examination Period	Take-home translation exam (2026-06-04 to 2026-06-11)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Annotated translation assignment 1	30 %	23/03/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Annotated translation assignment 2	30 %	12/05/2026	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:

• 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.

Participation

Students are strongly encouraged to demonstrate evidence of their individual learning through active participation in all weekly classes. Examples of participation include asking and responding to questions, taking part in or initiating class discussions, and working collaboratively with the teacher and other students on the development of in-class textual analyses and translations.

Assessment Task 1

Annotated translation assignment 1

Students are required to develop an annotated translation (~1800 words) in the first half of the course. The annotated translation focuses on a previously unseen text related to the class readings and the cultural, historical, and literary questions that have been the subject of class discussions. This assessment involves independent translation and critical notes supported by comprehensive grammatical analysis.

• This assessment is released in Week 3 and is due for submission in Week 5.
• Written and verbal feedback will be provided within one week of submission (i.e., prior to 2026-03-31)
• This assessment is weighted at 30% of the total grade for this course.

Assessment Task 2

Annotated translation assignment 2

Students are required to develop a second annotated translation (~1800 words) in the second half of the course. The second annotated translation also focuses on a previously unseen text related to class readings and discussion but introduces further material for critical comparison, translation, and comprehensive grammatical analysis.

• This assessment is released in Week 8 and is due for submission in Week 10.
• Written and verbal feedback will be provided within one week of submission.
• This assessment is weighted at 30% of the total grade for this course.

Assessment Task 3

Take-home translation exam

Students are required to complete a take-home exam (~2000 words) during the university examination period. This assessment involves advanced grammatical analysis of a previously unseen text related to the class readings. Students are expected to demonstrate critical understanding and the ability to translate complex compositional structures that emerge in early kavya and demarcate it from previous genres of Sanskrit composition.

• This assessment will be released on the first day of the examination period (2026-06-04) and is due for submission one week later (2026-06-11)
• This assessment is weighted at 40% of the total grade for the course.
• Individual written feedback will be released with the publication of Semester 1 results.

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).

• 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