Admission requirements
Basic knowledge of linguistics and Indo-European reconstruction.
Description
This course provides an introduction to Vedic Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas, especially that of the Rigveda. In the first half, we will focus on synchronic phonology and morphology. In class, we will combine lecture-style introductions to the phonology and morphology of Vedic Sanskrit with interactive discussions of weekly assignments where students will apply their acquired knowledge to analyse Sanskrit words and sentences. In the second half, we will focus on the major facets of Sanskrit historical grammar in the fields of phonology and morphology. We will discuss the way Sanskrit developed out of the Proto-Indo-European ancestor language, how Sanskrit relates to other Indo-European languages, and in what way Sanskrit can be used for reconstructing Proto-Indo-European.
Course objectives
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
Have insight into the cultural significance of Vedic Sanskrit literature and the prehistory of Indo-Iranian languages and peoples;
Memorize the most important nominal, pronominal and verbal paradigms of Vedic Sanskrit;
Be able to use linguistic terminology to analyse Vedic phonology as well as nominal and verbal morphology;
Be able to use standard dictionaries and grammars to analyse Sanskrit words and forms;
Have knowledge of the historical grammar of Sanskrit phonology and morphology;
Be able to predict the Sanskrit outcome of Proto-Indo-European reconstructions;
Be able to reconstruct the Proto-Indo-European ancestor of Sanskrit words.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
Two written examinations with short open questions
A paper
Weighing
The two written examinations count each for 35% of the final grade; the paper counts for 30% of the final grade.
Resit
Students who fail one or both of the written examinations are allowed to a resit. Students may resubmit the paper if it is insufficient.
Inspection and feedback
If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will be organized.
Reading list
Macdonell, Arthur A. 1916. A Vedic grammar for students (reprinted many times; any edition may be used)
Additional readings will be announced in the course. Moreover, syllabi and other course materials will be provided during the course and uploaded to Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats