Admission requirements
Background knowledge of linguistics and Indo-European reconstruction.
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 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 nominal, pronominal 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
Lecture
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
A final written examination
Resit
Students who fail the course may resit the exam.
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
Macdonell, Arthur A. 1916. A Vedic grammar for students (reprinted many times; any edition may be used).
Further course materials will be provided in class.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory
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Informatie voor belangstellenden die deze cursus in het kader van Contractonderwijs willen volgen (met tentamen), oa. over kosten, inschrijving en voorwaarden.
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