Study Sanskrit Online at ANU

Study Sanskrit Online at the Australian National University

Sanskrit is now available to students anywhere in the world!

Sanskrit, the classical language of India, has long been renowned for its beauty, subtlety and complexity.

We seek to balance the traditional practice of textual reception—reading and grammar—with language production—speaking, chanting and singing—to provide a truly balanced curriculum. Our innovative online courses incorporate cutting-edge technology to bring this ancient language to a new generation of students.

Why study Sanskrit?

Sanskrit is the key to the civilisational treasures of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and provides direct access to a vast repository of literary, scientific and philosophical 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 practitioners, adherents of Indian spiritual traditions, and students of South Asian heritage who wish to learn more about their cultural roots.

Enquiries

For Sanskrit course inquiries and to register your interest, email Dr McComas Taylor at McComas.Taylor@anu.edu.au

How do I enrol?

There are four options for enrolment:

On-campus students: for any student studying for any degree at ANU. Enrol through ISIS.
Entry through Open Universities Australia. This is the best option for members of the public. The cost is $1500 per semester

How is the course structured?

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. Content delivery is through our innovative electronic textbook, The Joy of Sanskrit. Works studied in the second and third years represent a diversity of styles and subject matter, and may include extract from the Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, the Bhagavadgītā, Kālidāsa, Vedic and Buddhist texts.

My educational 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.

Learn more about us here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV7erXuXcAk&t=3s

What student say about the course

'I took up Sanskrit to connect back with my Indian roots. I was aware that Sanskrit as a language is quite structured, however it was one of the hardest with thousands of grammar rules. In McComas and the Sanskrit course offered by ANU, I found just the right leader, teacher and guide. Two things stood out for me, which are a) Concepts were explained in simple terms, and b) Use of real Sanskrit text to teach the subject. I was able to relate with the stories my grandmother used to recite to me during my childhood (e.g. Hitopdesha). I am now able to comprehend the meaning of the shlokas (chants) at various family functions. I am very grateful for the experience. Thank You McComas and ANU.' Deepak Sharma

'Intimate, friendly and one of my most enjoyable subjects. Little compares to the joy of well practiced Sanskrit.' Andrew McGregor

'I discovered the course by accident and now am totally addicted to this fascinating language. The course is just brilliantly run and every lesson is something to look forward to.' Christiane Weissbach

'Yoga teachers will love studying Sanskrit with McComas. He is a great teacher, the classes are fun and Sanskrit is addictive.' Debby Badger

'I spent two happy years, sitting in my garden in Portugal, following the ANU Sanskrit course online on my laptop. No students' digs, no crowded crosstown bus rides. And I could access the backup lectures whenever it suited me. Most importantly, I could earn my living at the same time. I did a residential university course in my youth, and believe me, with an online course as well thought out as this one, you lose nothing, in the quality of teaching or human contact.' Steve Johnston

'Best Sanskrit distant learning option for Sanskrit I could find on the Internet. McComas Taylor is an amazing teacher making it actually fun to learn this difficult beautiful ancient language of Gods. He gives enough personal attention to make one feel like sitting in the class while in fact being half of the globe away.' Martin Užák

'Great challenge in a very enjoyable and happy atmosphere for learning with a passionate teacher. ' Myra Timmerman