Subject details

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills at an Advanced Beginner level of Sanskrit to:
1. Read simple epic texts smoothly and accurately and chant texts in sloka meter.
2. Translate the vocabulary of the text in hand through the basic use of a Sanskrit-English dictionary.
3. Recognise the range of grammatical structures in standard epic Sanskrit texts, and demonstrate a working facility in using the reference grammatical text.
4. Appraise the linguistic registers of the root text, in contrast with other genres of Sanskrit literature, and reflect this in appropriate English translation.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the social and historical contexts of epic Sanskrit texts.

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:

Weeks 1-6
1. 1 hour, before class, learning weekly verse from 'Joy of Sanskrit' and uploading audio   
2. 1 hour, before class, learning vocabulary and practicing structures for Spoken Sanskrit component  from 'Joy of Sanskrit'
3. 6 hours, before class, completing, self-correcting and uploading grammar exercises from 'Joy of Sanskrit'  and Egenes Vol. 2
4. 2 hours, attending the on-campus or online class.

Weeks 7-12: Readings from Lanman's Sanskrit Reader
1. 7 hours, before class, working independently preparing set number of verses from 'Nala and Damayati' drafting class notes in preparation for class.
2. 2 hours, attending on-campus or online class.
3. 1 hour, updating and revising class notes, which students take during the class.

The total workload for the course is 130 hours over 12 weeks of class and the examination period. 

  • Topics

    • In weeks 1 - 6, students will study weekly verses, spoken Sanskrit and grammar and written exercises from Egenes, ‘Introduction to Sanskrit’
    • In weeks 7 - 12, students will focus on readings from Lanman's Sanskrit Reader

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Virtual Classroom
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Overview Notes

    • Online Materials

      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Online Assessment
      • Resources and Links

Entry Requirements

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this unit:

Others

Completion of SKRT1003 Hindi 2 or demonstration of equivalent level through completion of a placement test. Students with prior knowledge of the language will be required to take a placement test. Students are not permitted to enrol in a subject that is lower than the level they achieve in the placement test, or a lower level than a subject they have already completed. Students without the appropriate level of proficiency for ANU-SKRT2103 (Sanskrit 3) will be withdrawn from this subject and we will recommend an alternative subject at the correct level.

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - To successfully engage in this course students will need the following: • Laptop or computer • Computer camera (either inbuilt or webcam) • Headset with microphone • Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browser • Reliable internet access • Access to a scanner or smartphone

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. At the ANU we seek to balance the traditional practice of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—speaking, chanting and singing—to provide a truly balanced curriculum. In Sanskrit 3, students will hone their understanding of Sanskrit grammar and begin reading selections from Sanskrit literature. 

  • Upload of weekly verse (5%%)
  • Spoken Sanskrit conversation (5%%)
  • Weekly written exercises (5%%)
  • Upload written class notes weeks 1-6 (20%%)
  • Upload written class notes weeks 7-12 (40%%)
  • Take home examination of Sanskrit - English translations (25%%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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