Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Harvard University
Department of South Asian Studies
Fall 2016
Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:3010am
1 Bow Street, Room 330
Instructor: Allison Aitken | aeaitken@fas.harvard.edu
Course Overview
This course introduces the Classical Tibetan language through a close study of grammar,
assumes no prior knowledge of the language, and provides a strong foundation for reading
various types of literature in Tibetan. We will begin by learning the Tibetan script, syllabary,
lexical morphology, and then proceed with an extensive overview of the grammar, after which we
will begin to read a variety of texts, including philosophical treatises and narrative texts.
Throughout the course, attention will also be given to building a basic vocabulary and gaining
familiarity with the practical application of the grammar. Readings are carefully chosen to
accommodate a diversity of interests.
Course Requirements
I. Class participation
Attendance is required at all class meetings. It is essential to prepare for each class in advance to
ensure that you get the most out of each lesson and are able to keep up with the pace of the
course, so the recommended readings should be previewed prior to each class.
Grade Breakdown:
Class Participation: 25%
Homework: 15%
Quizzes: 15%
Midterm: 20%
Final: 25%
Required Texts:
Dbyangs can grub pai rdo rje. Legs bshad ljon dbang. Tibetan text and translation available on
Canvas.
Hahn, M. Textbook of Classical Literary Tibetan (Translated and Revised by Ulrich Pagel.) London,
2002.
Hodge, S. An Introduction to Classical Tibetan. Hong Kong: Orchid Press, 2006.
Rinchen, J. Integrated Classical Tibetan: An Introductory Textbook. iBooks, 2014.
Tournadre, N. and S. Dorje. Manual of Standard Tibetan. Ithaca NY: Snowlion Publications, 2003.
Dictionaries: For the first semester, you will be able to get by using online dictionaries, such as:
THDL Dictionary and Translation Tool: www.thdl.org
Nithartha Dictionary: http://nitartha.pythonanywhere.com/search
Academic Integrity
A collaborative learning environment is encouraged in this course, however you should ensure
that any written work you submit for evaluation is your own work.