SAN1110 – Sanskrit 1
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course is the first of two courses that introduce you to classical Sanskrit. It deals with the phonetics, grammar and vocabulary of classical Sanskrit.
The reading list of the course is the first half of the Sanskrit grammar by Walter Maurer.
In addition, you will be introduced to classical Sanskrit literature and to ancient Indian history through independent reading of assigned articles and book sections, which are then discussed in class.
Following this course, students will take SAN1120 – Sanskrit 2 (discontinued) which prepares them for a semester abroad, and further specialization in SAN2130 – Sanskrit 3+4 (discontinued).
Learning outcome
At the end of the course, having passed the examination, you will:
- be able to read and write Devanāgarī script
- be able to transcribe text in Devanāgarī script into Roman script and the other way round
- be familiar with many common words and word forms
- have read several --partly simplified texts-- of classical Sanskrit narrative literature
- know most rules for phonological processes called sandhi
- know the most common syntactic structures
The degree you receive on your exam papers will show how well you have acquired these skills.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Good knowledge of English.
Teaching
The course consists of 6 hours of seminars per week over a period of 12 weeks.
Especially in the beginning, the study of Sanskrit requires determination and discipline.
During the semester, students will take an in-class test.
The test must be passed in order to be permitted to take the final exam.
Examination
In order to qualify for the final exam, students must pass the mandatory in-class test (2 hours). The in-class test consists of a translation of a text from the curriculum.
It is the student's responsibility to find out if they passed the in-class test. See Guidelines for compulsary course activities (in Norwegian only)
The final examination (4 hours) consists of a translation of a new text, with the use of a dictionary or glossary, plus questions concerning grammatical forms.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.