Sanskrit, an ancient and classical language of South Asia, 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 knowledge and textual traditions.
The Sanskrit Language Minor equips students with the skills needed to independently read Sanskrit texts from the Classical epic and story-telling traditions. The courses included in this Minor balance comprehensive training in grammar and translation with experience in reading prose and verse compositions. By its completion, students will be able to read Intermediate-level Sanskrit texts, employ reference materials such as dictionaries and grammars, and translate with sensitivity to cultural and historical contexts.
Learning Outcomes
- Read Intermediate-level prose and verse texts smoothly and accurately and recognise the impacts of metrical structure on textual composition.
- Translate the vocabulary of the text in hand through confident use of a Sanskrit-English dictionary.
- Identify less-common grammatical structures through the appropriate independent use of reference materials.
- Identify, discuss, and compare the compositional features and literary characteristics of primary texts in relation to the social and historical contexts of Sanskrit epic texts.
- Recognise the possibility of alternative interpretations, evaluate grammatical and literary considerations, and demonstrate this through the independent production of appropriate English translations.
Other Information
Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take 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 take a 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 Integrity Rule 2021 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.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
24 units from completion of Sanskrit Language courses from the following list:
SKRT1002 Sanskrit 1
SKRT1003 Sanskrit 2
SKRT2103 Sanskrit 3
SKRT2104 Sanskrit 4
SKRT3004 Sanskrit 5
SKRT3005 Sanskrit 6
Students who receive an exemption through a Language Placement Assessment (LPA) may choose additional courses from the following additional courses to complete their major. Students cannot receive an exemption through an LPA for SKRT2103, SKRT2104, SKRT3004, SKRT3005
ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)
ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)*
*The course is offered in semesters 1 and 2 each year. Students may enrol in this course code up to 4 times, under different topics of Sanskrit to be included in this major. Enrolment in this course is subject to the availability and agreement of an appropriate supervisor. It is a requirement that students confirm the approval of the potential supervisor before enrolling in the course.
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