* SKRT 110a / LING 115a, Introductory Sanskrit I  Aleksandar Uskokov

An introduction to Sanskrit language and grammar. Focus on learning to read and translate basic Sanskrit sentences in Devanagari script. No prior background in Sanskrit assumed.  L1  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

SKRT 120b / LING 125b, Introductory Sanskrit II  Aleksandar Uskokov

Continuation of SKRT 110. Focus on the basics of Sanskrit grammar; readings from classical Sanskrit texts written in Devanagari script. After SKRT 110.  L2  1½ Course cr
MTWThF 11:35am-12:25pm

SKRT 130a / LING 138a, Intermediate Sanskrit I  Aleksandar Uskokov

The first half of a two-term sequence aimed at helping students develop the skills necessary to read texts written in Sanskrit. Readings include selections from the Hitopadesa, Kathasaritsagara, Mahabharata, and Bhagavadgita. After SKRT 120 or equivalent.  L3
MWF 10:30am-11:20am

* SKRT 156a, Advanced Sanskrit: Readings in Philosophical Poems  Aleksandar Uskokov

The purpose of this course is to introduce Sanskrit philosophical works, broadly construed, written in verse. The focus of the course ranges from highly aestheticized narrative literature that makes philosophical points and often includes philosophical instruction (for instance, the Yogavāsiṣṭha); over philosophical sections of the epics (Mahābhārata), Purāṇas (Viṣṇu, Bhagavata), and medieval literature (Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa); through praise poetry with philosophical significance (stotras); to strictly philosophical works set in verse (such as Gauḍapāda’s Āgama-śāstra or Nāgārjuna’s Mūla-madhyamaka-kārikā). Special attention is given to matters of style, as well as to advanced morphology and syntax. Additionally, the course pays attention to the scholastic techniques of: (1) word glossing; (2) sentence construction; (3) word morphology through the principle of base and suffix; and (4) compound analysis. With this, the course facilitates learning the art of reading commentaries for the sake of understanding texts. The text of focus in any term of instruction is chosen according to student interest, therefore the course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Two years of Sanskrit (=L4 or equivalent). In exceptional cases (depending on the specific text taught in a specific term), graduate students may join with a year of Sanskrit and should contact the instructor.  L5
MW 4pm-5:15pm