Sanskrit I

Sanskrit I is designed for beginning students with no prior knowledge of Sanskrit. The course is designed to facilitate the rapid acquisition of basic Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar and will introduce the basics of Sanskrit grammar using both indigenous and Western pedagogical methods and terminology. This course serves as a foundation for continuing with more advanced language instruction and provides a strong foundation for the reading of Buddhist Sanskrit literature.  

Grammatical explanations will familiarize students with the type of analysis found in Buddhist commentarial literature. The course will also present grammar classes in such a way that lessons may be directly applied to samples of Buddhist Sanskrit literature. Students are lead through the texts in a detailed and gradual manner so that even complete beginners will be able to access their meaning while building a basic vocabulary and gaining familiarity with the intricacies of Sanskrit grammar. 

The course is designed as a 14-week course. All students have access to the course for one year from the date of registration. However, Interactive For-Credit students must complete all course assignments within the semester of study in order to pass. Self-Study and Interactive Non-Credit students can proceed at their own pace within the one-year access period. 

Course moderators are available for live online office hours from September 15 – May 15. During the summer, communication is limited to written correspondence. For those taking a course for credit, it is recommended to start before February 1 to take advantage of live online guidance from the moderators. 

This registration is for the not-for-credit format only. To register in the for-credit format, apply through the admissions page, “Asynchronous Online through LearnDash – For Credit Format” (https://ryi.org/admissions), or through the portal (for KU students at RYI).