Knowledge and Understanding:

write simple Sanskrit sentences in devanagariscript, translate simple Sanskrit sentences into English, recognise, be able to reproduce and explain a variety of grammatical forms and syntax, recognise and use a range of Sanskrit vocabulary.

Intellectual Skills:

• the ability to learn a highly inflected and grammatically highly structured language
• ability to understand and apply rules of grammar
• anayse the applicability of grammatical rules learnt to their own language, i.e. some students may understand their own language better as a result
• the ability to learn a new script

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

the subject skills of philology

Transferable Skills:

• communication both orally and in writing
• ability to attend closely to the meaning of written documents
• the ability to work as part of a team
• the ability to work independently
• self-reliance: recognising personal strengths and weaknesses and working to enhance and utilise the former, and to overcome the latter
• the ability to manage workloads and time-management 
• self-discipline

The language classes on this module are highly participative, with plenary and small group activities that focus on the exercises in the coursebook and other exercises used to reinforce the coursebook content and script.  Student preparation for classes, written work between classes and revisions after classes all form a crucial part of the learning on this module.

The aims of each of the three plenary sessions per week (M0n, Tue, Wed) are:

• to explain the grammar taught in the coursebook lesson appropriate to the stage in the course
• to clarify any points of uncertainty pertinent to the lessons under consideration
• to teach and practice pronunciation and/or script
• to introduce new vocabulary
• to review previously learnt material through exercises
• to practise newly learnt material through exercises

It is expected that the class will work through an average of between one and three lessons of the coursebook per week, including during reading week.

The aims of each of the subsidiary tutorials (Fri) are:

• to assist any students experiencing difficulties with any aspect of the course and to help students improve in areas of weakness.
• to provide students with one on one or very small group guidance on their work
• to give an opportunity for students to offer feedback on how the course is going/ any improvements that could be made in the teaching or resources
• to work on script

Please see Learning Outcomes.

(Description of how the assessment (both formative and summative) will enable a student to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes.)

Class tests: The course is assessed on the basis of two 50-minutes and a final exam of 1.5 hours. In each test you will be tested on using the grammar, vocabulary and script you have learnt on the course from the start of the course, up to and including the class preceding the test.  Each test counts equally towards you final score for the course.

You need to score an average of 40% overall or more to pass the module.

Formative Coursework:

You are expected to do reading and written work for this module every week.  This work forms a crucial part of your learning.  Usually it will take you between 30 minutes and 1 hour per class hour.  If it takes significantly more time than this let your tutor know.  The scores for this work are not recorded and do not count toward you final grade on the course.  Grades are not recorded so that you are free to try out Sanskrit you are unsure about, without worrying whether or not it will affect your grade.

The syllabus is the full content of the coursebook, Beginning Sanskrit by Dermot Killingley, in addition to simple devanagariscript

Killingley, Dermot (1997), Beginning Sanskrit.  vol.1., Lincom Europa.

Not applicable.