Tibetan 101a

Elementary Classical Tibetan

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.

II. Assignments and Quizzes

There will be written homework assignments for each lesson and weekly quizzes to help
consolidate the material learned in each unit of the course, with attention to both vocabulary and
grammar. Language learning is a cumulative process, and so quizzes will build on and include
material learned in prior lessons. Late assignments will be marked down a third of a letter grade
for each day that they are late.
III. Exams
You will be responsible for accurately translating and providing detailed grammatical analysis of
passages read in class, without the aid of notes or a dictionary.

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

Special Needs and Emergencies

Students requiring special assistance are encouraged to inform the instructor at the beginning of
the term, and accommodations for those with special needs will be made as far as possible.
Absences from class or exam periods will be dealt with in accordance with the policies described
in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences handbooks. Requests made to prior to an absence or due date
may result in special accommodation.

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.