Summer Sanskrit Language Study
Join us this summer to begin your Sanskrit language studies, or to build on what you’ve already learned. The summer Sanskrit courses are rigorous but students progress very quickly, completing the equivalent of two semesters of coursework over the span of 8 weeks. At the conclusion of the courses, students are well on their way toward attaining a high degree of proficiency in classical Sanskrit.
Visit our admissions page for application details and program-specific dates
Class Structure
Beginning and Intermediate Sanskrit have the same structure. Classes meet Monday through Friday for four hours per day and include two hours of master grammar class, a one-hour traditional class, and a one-hour review class. Additionally, there are office hours for extra support. The level of intensity of the courses is high and students are expected to invest considerable time and effort in order to meet class requirements and academic expectations.
The master grammar classes (120 minutes per day, 5 days per week) comprise the largest portion of the course. In these master classes, the teacher will introduce and explain grammar using Western and Sanskrit terminology according to Western pedagogical methods. Student progress will be assessed on an ongoing basis through homework assignments and quizzes.
The traditional classes (60 minutes per day, 5 days per week) include reading and pronouncing Devanāgarī texts, reciting and chanting Sanskrit prose and poetry, and learning spoken Sanskrit. This class will be given by a local scholar who has learned Sanskrit as part of their own tradition.
The review classes are led by an experienced teaching assistant, who will provide additional practice for the master grammar class.
Class Materials
The course uses a Sanskrit primer prepared by the instructors. Additional handouts will be given as necessary, and there are numerous, pre-recorded videos that you can watch in our Teams classroom environment to help you prepare in advance for your daily classes and to review difficult points as often as needed.
Class Sections
Students should make use of the online resources included with the course, so it’s best to have access to a PC, Mac or Linux computer capable of running Microsoft Teams, which you can download free of charge. However, Teams will also run on smartphones (iOS or Android) which is sufficient for on-campus students.
Accreditation
Beginning and Intermediate Sanskrit are university-level courses and can be taken for academic credit through Kathmandu University’s Centre for Buddhist Studies, earning 6 credits (12 ECTS). The course may also be taken on a non-credit basis. Expect to spend at least 2 hours outside of class each day for homework and study.
Beginning Sanskrit (SLAN 120) 6 Credits
This intensive Sanskrit course is designed to facilitate the rapid acquisition of basic Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar for beginning students with no prior knowledge of Sanskrit. This course will introduce the basics of Sanskrit grammar using both indigenous and Western pedagogical methods and terminology. By the end of the course, students will be on their way towards working with original Sanskrit texts on their own.
This course also offers a traditional class that includes an introduction to the Devanāgarī script which students use in class for homework and quizzes. These classes also cover native pronunciation, basic conversational skills in Sanskrit language, and an introduction to the study of Sanskrit meter.
Students are lead through the grammar in a detailed and gradual manner so that even complete beginners will benefit while building a basic vocabulary and gaining familiarity with the intricacies of Sanskrit grammar.
Class Schedule
This course is offered online and will be held Monday to Friday between 5:45 p.m. – and 11:15 p.m. Nepal time.
This course is offered on campus courses will take place Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Nepal time.
Please ensure you are available Monday-Friday during the respective scheduled hours for on-campus or online study.
Intermediate Sanskrit (SLAN 220) 6 Credits
This intensive Sanskrit course is offered for intermediate-level students with two semesters of prior study of Sanskrit. The course is designed to review and complete the study of grammar, and increase students’ reading proficiency in Sanskrit. The course will begin with a brief grammar review. For the remaining portion of the course, students will prepare translations of assigned Sanskrit texts for discussion during class time. Grammar will be reviewed in the course of reading texts. The choice of texts will include a variety of Sanskrit genres, including Buddhist Sanskrit texts.
In addition, the traditional classes will cover pronunciation, conversation, the reading of texts, and the study of Sanskrit meters.
Class Schedule
This course is offered online and will be held Monday to Friday between 5:45 p.m. – and 11:15 p.m. Nepal time.
This course is offered on campus courses will take place Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Nepal time.
Please ensure you are available Monday-Friday during the respective scheduled hours for on-campus or online study.
Admission Criteria
All applications for the Sanskrit programs are subject to approval by the Centre for Buddhist Studies.
For more information, please refer to the Eligibility Requirements and Admissions Process for the summer program.
Accreditation
The Beginning Sanskrit course is accredited at the Centre for Buddhist Studies for Sanskrit I and Sanskrit II (6 credits total).
The Intermediate Sanskrit course is accredited at the Centre for Buddhist Studies for Sanskrit III and Sanskrit IV (6 credits total).
The Advanced Sanskrit course is accredited at the Centre for Buddhist Studies for Sanskrit V and Sanskrit VI (6 credits total).
Fee Request
In accordance with University guidelines, RYI course fees are determined by each student’s home base and nationality. A three-tier system is in effect which covers (i) Nepali students, (ii) SAARC students and (iii) other international students. Please select below to find out the fees structure for your particular circumstances.
You will find the Tuition Fee List for all programs linked on the right-hand side of the admissions page.
