Sanskrit Studies
Faculty of Asian Studies, The Australian National University
नमो नमः
Good News!
Sanskrit at ANU is now available to distance students everywhere. Read on for details.
Classical Sanskrit is the key to the treasure-trove of South Asian cultures, spirituality and wisdom. It is the primary language of classical Indian art, music, dance, literature and religion. It is also of interest to students of historical and comparative linguistics and provides a basis for the study of modern Indian languages. Many of our students are yoga teachers or practioners, adherents of Indian spiritual traditions, and students of South Asian heritage who wish to learn more about their cultural roots.
The first year is devoted to the study of grammar, chanting and singing, introductory Spoken Sanskrit, and the reading of selections from easy prose texts. Works studied in the second and third years represent a diversity of styles and subject matter, and may include extract from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Bhagavadgita, Kalidasa and Buddhist texts.
My eductional philosophy is simple: while maintaining the highest standards of academic rigour, I ensure that learning is student-focussed and enjoyable. I make extensive use of role-play, games and other non-traditional learning activities to foster and engaged and engaging learning environment.
See more Sanskrit teaching and research news from the Faculty of Asian Studies. The Sanskrit program coordinator is Dr McComas Taylor
Degree Programs
The South Asia Centre in the Faculty of Asian Studies offers a three-year degree Bachelor of Asian Studies (Sanskrit).
The three year degree in Asian Studies may be combined with degrees in arts, commerce, economics, engineering, law, science and visual arts.
Diploma Programs
External and distance students can take single units in Sanskrit as part of a Diploma of Asian Studies. The cost is about $450 per unit.
Sanskrit language courses
The South Asia Centre courses are open to students taking Asian Studies degrees as well as to students enrolled in other Faculties.
Distance students and flexible delivery
First-year Sanskrit is now available to distance students and students who cannot attend 'live' lectures. Students from anywhere in Australia and overseas are welcome to enrol. All materials are available on WebCT, lectures are video-recorded for viewing at the students' convenience, and we offer live online tutorials. Please contact McComas Taylor (02 6125 3179 or mccomas.taylor@anu.edu.au) for further information.
| Sanskrit language and some South Asia-related courses |
The Undergraduate Handbook provides a comprehensive list of courses offered by the Faculty of Asian Studies.
Other Asia-related courses
The Centre for Asian Societies and Histories in the Faculty and the Faculty of Arts offer non-language courses in Asian history, religion and society. Courses in Asian politics, economics and law are available in other Faculties.
Graduate programs in Asian Studies
Asian Studies may be undertaken for the Graduate Diploma, Master of Asian Studies, Master of Arts (Asian Studies), the MPhil and PhD.
Graduate programs at the ANU are administered by the Graduate School. Please refer to the Faculty Graduate Programs page for more information about the specialised graduate programs in Asian Studies.
Further information
- Detailed information about Faculty of Asian Studies programs, including admission requirements, prerequisites, career possibilities, program requirements, Majors and Specialisations, and degree structure and courses, is published in the ANU online handbook, which also provides authoritative information concerning the programs and courses available in any particular year.
- You are encouraged to seek specific guidance on these matters from the Sub-Dean of the Faculty. Please email Enquiries.AsianStudies@anu.edu.au or phone 6125 0515 to arrange an appointment.