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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Critically evaluate the linguistic registers and cultural references of the root text in comparison with other genres of Sanskrit composition.
- Interpret commentarial texts, demonstrating understanding of commentarial techniques and vocabulary, and compare commentarial aims to the expression of the root text.
- 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.
Other Information
On successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to engage at an Advanced 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 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 enroll in a language course below one that they have already successfully completed, except with permission of the language and/or course convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Annotated translation assignment 1 (1800 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Annotated translation assignment 2 (1800 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Take-home translation exam (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 unit is conducted on the 'flipped classroom' model. Students are expected to complete certain set tasks before attending class each week. A total of 10 hours' work per week is expected as follows:
- 4 hours, before class, preparing materials for in-class activities
- 3 hours attending on-campus or online classes
- 3 hours developing and completing assessments and/or engaging with secondary readings with guidance from the teacher
The total workload for the course is 130 hours over 12 weeks of class and the examination period.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Tubb and Boose. Scholastic Sanskrit.
Whitney, C. R. Sanskrit Grammar.
Preliminary Reading
Indicative readings will be provided by the teacher via Canvas.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4500 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5820 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANU Online | ||||||
| 3070 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |
| OUA Online | ||||||
| 3071 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |