LANGUAGES
Brown University offers instruction in both Hindi-Urdu through the Center for Language Resources and in Sanskrit through the Classics Department. Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes are offered in both courses of study.
The Hindi-Urdu Program
Instructed at all levels by Senior Lecturer Ashok Koul, the courses offered in Hindi are as follows:
Beginning Hindi Or Urdu (HN 10-20)
Training in conversation, reading, and writing of modern standard Hindi and some elements of Urdu. The Devanagari script is taught. Emphasis is on the active use of the language. Those who already know the Devanagari but have rusty conversation skills may join the class second semester with the instructor's permission, which should be obtained before the end of the first semester. Those who prefer to learn Urdu and the Persian script should contact the instructor.
Intermediate Hindi-Urdu (HN 30-40)
A continuation of HN 10-20, which is a prerequisite. Introduces the variation of the Persian script used for Urdu. Prepares students to communicate in written and spoken language. Activities are conducted in Hindi/Urdu. Meets four hours weekly.
Advanced Hindi-Urdu (HN 108)
At this stage of proficiency, each student may follow an independent reading list that will be determined in consultation with the instructor and will depend on the student's needs and goals. The readings may include folk tales, journalistic prose, 20th-century literature, classical Urdu poetry of the 17th to 19th centuries, or subjects in nonfiction of special interest to the student. The class meets together three hours weekly for discussion. Each student will also spend one hour weekly with the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
Hindi Instruction and Study Abroad
The exchange program between Brown and St. Stephen's College and Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi provides a rare opportunity for Brown and non-Brown students to study directly at an institution of higher learning in India. Instruction is in English and the small Colleges combine an intimate atmosphere with the British teaching style.
Brown program participants are able to take a variety of courses and attend for the entire three term year, July-April, or for the fall and winter terms only (one semester option) from July-December. Students take courses in any of St. Stephen's or Lady Shri Ram College's academic departments, including Hindi and Urdu language study. Except for language courses, instruction is in English.
For beginning students, a special Hindi language course is included in the program fee. The program begins with a special one-month orientation/Hindi language course at the Landour Language School in Mussoorie, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
For more information on study abroad, please visit the Office of International Programs, RI Hall, room 106.
Sanskrit Program
Instructed by Professor Peter Scharf at all levels, courses offered in Sanksrit are as follows:
Beginning Sanskrit (SA10-20)
After examining the relation of this ancient Indo-European language to our own language and studying its sounds, script, and phonological processes, the remainder of the first semester and half of the second surveys the intricate and highly organized structure of the grammar. The second semester closes with reading a selection from the Indian epic, The Mahabharata.
Intermediate Sanskrit (SA30-40)
An introduction to the extensive body of Sanskrit literature through reading selections in prose and verse drawn principally from short story collections, epics, and philosophical and religious texts.
Advanced Sanskrit (SA191)
In-depth study of major poetic, dramatic, epic, philosophical, religious, grammatical, medical, or astronomical texts. Topics depend on the interest of students. May be repeated once for credit.
