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.
The Advanced Sanskrit Language Minor is for students who already have a high level of competence in Sanskrit. It deepens students’ knowledge and critical understanding of Sanskrit language and its associated culture. The courses included in this Advanced Minor balance the traditional practice of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—chanting and singing. By its completion, students will be able to independently read texts from a wide range of genres and will be able to chant and recite with a high degree of accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
- Translate from a wide variety of texts and genres with a high level of competence in using a Sanskrit-English dictionary
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of advanced grammatical structures employed in Classical and Vedic Sanskrit, and demonstrate expertise in using reference grammars
- Appraise the linguistic registers of root texts and their place among the various genres of Sanskrit literature, and reflect this in appropriate English translation
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret commentarial texts, showing an understanding of commentarial techniques and vocabulary
- Develop and apply critical thinking skills to the social, historical, and cultural contexts of the text at hand through textual interpretation and translation
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 Misconduct Rule 2015 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
The Sanskrit Language Advanced Minor Major consists of 24 units, which must include:
18 units from completion of the following sequence of Sanskrit language course
SKRT3005 Sanskrit 6
SKRT3002 Sanskrit 7
SKRT3003 Sanskrit 8
A minimum of 6 units from the following sequence of associated language and research courses
ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)*
Students who receive an exemption through a Language Placement Assessment (LPA) may choose from the above list of associated language courses to complete their advanced language minor.
*The course is offered in semester 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 minor. 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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