Admission requirements
Background knowledge of Indo-European linguistics.
Exchange students are allowed to follow this class if they have sufficient knowledge of Indo-European linguistics.
Description
This course provides an introduction into Vedic Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas, especially that of the Rigveda. We will focus on synchronic phonology and morphology. Besides being a key language for any scholar of South and Central Asian literature, Vedic Sanskrit has always been a cornerstone of Indo-European linguistics. It also serves as a gateway to further study of other Indo-Iranian languages. In class, we will combine lecture-style introductions to the phonology and morphology of Vedic Sanskrit (with an Indo-European perspective) with interactive discussions of weekly assignments where students will apply their acquired knowledge to analyse Sanskrit words and sentences.
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 (pro)nominal 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
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Students are expected to attend the bi-weekly meetings of the BA course “Vedic Sanskrit”, where we’ll treat the synchronic grammar of Vedic Sanskrit.
MA students will be required to memorize several paradigms and grammar points beyond what is necessary for BA students, and the MA exam will reflect this.
Assessment method
Assessment
A final written examination with short open questions (graded 1-10)
Weighing
To pass the course, students must pass the final examination. The course grade (1-10) is determined 100 % by the final examination.
Resit
Students who fail may resit the examinations.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
- Introduction to Vedic Sanskrit. This is the course syllabus which will be provided at the start of the course and will be studied throughout the course and as preparation for the examinations.
Reference literature:
Macdonell, Arthur A. 1916. A Vedic grammar for students (reprinted many times; any edition may be used).
Monier-Williams, Monier. 1899. A Sanskrit-English Dictionary.
Mayrhofer, Manfred. 1992-2001. Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Altindoarischen, I-III.
Grassmann, Hermann. 1873. Wörterbuch zum Rig-veda.
Jamison, Stephanie W. & Brereton, Joel P. 2014. The Rigveda. The earliest religious poetry of India.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
Registration Contractonderwijs
Registration Contractonderwijs.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar
For questions related to the content of the course, please contact the lecturer, you can find their contact information by clicking on their name in the sidebar.
For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats E-mail address Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats: osz-oa-reuvensplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl
For questions regarding your studyprogress contact the Coordinator of Studies