Sanskrit Language 2 (PG)

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Full
Module code
15PSAC306
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
30
Department
South Asia Section

Module overview

Prerequisites

Sanskrit Language to intermediate level. Language ability will be assessed before a student is accepted.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of the module, a student should be able to demonstrate…

  1. ability to read and understand Sanskrit texts at intermediate level
  2. consolidated knowledge of Sanskrit grammar
  3. ability in English-Sanskrit composition at intermediate level
  4. familiarity with the history of Sanskrit literature and its cultural and religious background

Workload

A total of 20 weeks teaching with 4 hours classroom contact per week in language classes.

Scope and syllabus

The passages to be read, translated, interpreted, and discussed in class are taken from Lanman’s Sanskrit Reader and Böthlingk’s Sanskrit-Chrestomathie, and include specimens from various layers of Sanskrit literature (Hitopadesa, Kathāsaritsāgara, Manu, Vedic prose and poetry, etc.) up to Kàlidàsa’s Raghuvaümsa.  These readings are combined with a thorough revision of Sanskrit grammar, to which approximately one third of the class hours is dedicated.  Students are also made familiar with the corresponding chapters of the history of Sanskrit literature.

Method of assessment

One three hour written examination to be taken in May/June (80%); one homework assignment to be submitted on day 1, after reading week, term 1 (5%); one homework assignment to be submitted on day 1, term 2 (5%); one homework assignment to be submitted on day 1, after reading week, term 2 (5%); one homework assignment to be submitted on day 1, term 3 (5%). Total word count for the above assignments ca 5,000.

Suggested reading

  • Otto F. Böthlingk, Sanskrit-Chrestomathie. St. Petersburg: Kaiserlichen Akademie der
    Wissenschaften.
  • Charles Rockwell Lanman, A Sanskrit Reader.  Delhi: Motilal Barnasidass (reprint)
  • Arthur Berriedale Keith, A History of Sanskrit literature. Oxford: Clarendon.
  • __________ , Religion and Philosophy of the Vedas and Upanishads. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
  • Jakob S. Speijer, Sanskrit Syntax.  Delhi: Motilal Barnasidass (reprint).
  • Adolf F. Stenzler. A Primer of the Sanskrit Language. Translated with some revision by Renate Söhnen-Thieme.  London: SOAS.
  • Moriz Winternitz, History of Sanskrit Literature, vol. 1, 3. Delhi: Motilal Barnasidass  (reprint).
  • William Dwight Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar; including both the classical language, and the older dialects, of Veda and Brāhmana. Cambridge, Mass.:  Harvard University Press (reprinted many times).

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules