SANSKRIT POETRY OF AŚVAGHOṢA
Professor Patrick Olivelle
SAN 330 and SAN 384S,
The main purpose of this class is to provide students a firmer foundation in Sanskrit
grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, and to appreciate the aesthetics of a Sanskrit epic
poem. We will read Aśvaghoṣa's Saundarananda . Aśvaghoṣa is the earliest writer of
the genre of epic poetry known as kāvya. Two of his poems are extant, the other being
the Buddhacarita.
Grading Procedures:
Students enrolled in SAN 384S will be expected to show a higher level of proficiency than those in
SAN 330. Both sections require students be able to translate assigned texts and to analyze their
grammar and syntax in class. Both sections require a midterm and a final, but students in the two
sections will have different exams. In addition, SAN 384S will require a written translation,
grammatical analysis, and critical discussion of a selection from a Sanskrit drama that is not read
in class.
Undergraduate Students
Mid-term = 30%
Final = 40%
Participation = 30%
Graduate Students
Mid-term = 25%
Final = 30%
Participation = 25%
Written Translation = 20%
Readings:
Aśvaghoṣa, Buddhacarita.
Aśvaghoṣa, Saundrananda, edition by Johnston.