| Unit name | Introduction to Sanskrit 1 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20188 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Gethin |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Sanskrit is the single most important language in Indian culture. The fundamental texts of Indian religions, philosophy, law, science, poetry, drama, etc. are all composed in Sanskrit. For anyone who wishes to gain an appreciation of Indian religions and culture the study of Sanskrit is therefore of paramount importance. Indian culture itself has traditionally regarded the study of Sanskrit grammar and literature as basis of all education. Moreover, in the contemporary study of Indian religion and culture Sanskrit terminology serves as something of a "lingua franca".
The unit aims to introduce students to the basics of the Sanskrit alphabet, its vocabulary, and grammar, as a foundation for the reading of short passages of Sanskrit texts.
On successful completion of this unit student will have an introductory knowledge and understanding of the basic elements of the alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar of Sanskrit.
2 x 2 hour seminar shared with equivalent units at levels 4 and 6
This language unit will be assessed summatively by two class tests, each lasting 1 hour, testing introductory knowledge and understanding of the basic elements of the alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar of Sanskrit. Class test 1 =20% of overall unit mark; class test 2 = 80%.
W.H. Maurer, The Sanskrit Language: An introductory grammar and reader, 2 vols (Richmond 1995).
