Classics 1710 -- Sanskrit 1

Sanskrit is the classical language of India. This course can serve as either a one-term introduction to Sanskrit, or (preferably) as a foundation for further work in the language. We will begin with the devanagari writing system and Sanskrit pronunciation. This will be followed by a survey of the essentials of Sanskrit grammar, including noun, pronoun, and verb paradigms, rules of combining sounds when words are joined to one another (sandhi), word order, and use of particles. There will not be so much focus on developing an extensive vocabulary in the first term of study; however, the course will be directed toward eventually reading material from Sanskrit texts such as the Mahabharata and Hitopadesa in second-year Sanskrit. About 1/3 of a comprehensive beginning text such as Egenes, Introduction to Sanskrit will be covered in the Fall term. Prerequisite: No specific prerequisites; however, (1) successful previous foreign language study and/or (2) some familiarity with South Asian civilization would be helpful.

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Classics 1720 -- Sanskrit 2

This course is a continuation of Sanskrit 1. Prerequisite: Sanskrit 1 or equivalent.

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Classics 1730 -- Sanskrit 3

This course is a continuation of Sanskrit 2, with a focus on reading. The specific material to be covered will depend on the students' interests. The material may be either selections from Lanman's Reader, or readings from the Mahabharata (which would require the use of a dictionary), such as the Sakuntala or Savitri stories, or the Bhagavad-Gita. Interested students should consult with the instructor as soon as possible so as to discuss their particular needs in the course. Prerequisite: Sanskrit 2 or equivalent.

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Classics 1740 -- Sanskrit 4

This course is a continuation of Sanskrit 3, with a focus on Vedic Sanskrit. Besides the Vedic selections in Lanman's Sanskrit Reader, additional Vedic hymns will also be read. Prerequisite: Sanskrit 3 (CLASSICS 1730 or equivalent).

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