Course Outline: PL301 Pāli: Prescribed Readings 1, 2010/2011, Semester 1

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
First Semester (July 12-November 13, 2010) Academic year 2010/2011
Subject: 
PL301 - Pali: Prescribed Readings I
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Minor Subject
Instructor: 
Dhammanandhi法师博士
Recommended Texts: 

Required Textbook

  • Texts will be the roman script of Udānapāli, Dhammapadapāli and Jātakapāli from Chaṭṭha Sangāyana CD-ROM Version 3 issued by Vipassana Research Institute

Recommend Reference

  • Maselield, P. The Ud1na (Trans). Oxford: The P1li Text Society, 1997.
  • John Ireland, D. The Ud1na (Trans). Sri Lanka: Buddhist Publication Society.
  • Vaidya, P.L. The Dhammapāda text in devanāgari with notes introduction and trans. Poona: The Oriental book Agency, 1934.
  • Daw May Tin. Dhammapāda verses and stories (Trans). India: Sri Sat guru Publications, 1990.
  • The Dhammapada Commentary. Vol.1. Trans. Department of P1li, University of Rangoon. 1952.
  • Jātaka:The Stories of the Buddha’s former births. Trans. W.H.D. Rouse Under the edition of E.B. Cowell. UK: Cambridge University Press, 1895. Reprinted by Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, India 2001.
  • O.H.dea.Wijesekera: Syntax of The Cases In The P1li Nik1yas. Sri Lanka: Postgraduate Institute of Pāli & Buddhist Studies Publication, 1993.
  • Warder, A.K. Introduction to Pāli. London: The Pāli Text Society, 1974.
  • Charles Duroiselle. A Practical Grammar of the Pāli Language (3rd Edition). Burma: Lagoon College, 1997.
  • Vito Perniola S.J. Pāli Grammar. London : The P1li Text Society Oxford, 1997.
Course Organization: 

The course would be organized based on lectures and discussion of Pāli grammar applying usages in structural sentences.

The course will discuss on three parts of Pāli texts as Udāna, Dhammapāda, and Jātaka covering
in 45 hours of lectures. The schedule of class will as follows:

Lecture 1 to 6. Udāna: The Buddhavagga, the first chapter of Udāna will be taken in the class. (An Introduction to Udāna)

  • 1) Utterance on the Dependent Origination
  • 2) Formulations and factors of Paṭiccasamuppāda
  • 3) Definition of Brāhmaṇa in various suttas

Lecture 7 to 11. Jātaka-aṭṭhakatha (A brief introduction to aṭṭhakatha literature)

  • 1) The Nakkhattajātaka-aṭṭhakatha (Foolish consultant with an 1jivaka)
  • 2) The Dummedha- aṭṭhakatha (Wrong religious ritual)
  • 3) The Kūḍavāṇija-aṭṭhakatha Distinction of the wise and the cunning man

Lecture 12 to 15. Dhammapada (Chapter 2, 4 and 6)

Course Requirements: 

Students are expected to attend assignments, Presentations, oral tests and examinations. Each missed assignment will result in an appropriate percentage reduction. All students will be required to clear two examinations, the mid-term and the final written examinations. Students should be present in a minimum of 80% of the scheduled classes to be eligible to sit for the final written examination.

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Assignments and class participation 10%
  • The mid-term Examination 45 %
  • Final written examination 45 %
Course Objectives: 

From the course, it is expected that the students will build up the foundation of Pāli grammar in preparation for higher learning and usage of the Pāli language, the language of the Pāli Canon. Moreover students will reach an abode of the extensive knowledge concerning the Buddhist ethics, correct view on religious activities. Further students will realize what mindfulness plays role in our life time and so on.

Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A+ Excellent 4.0 90-100
A Almost Excellent 3.75 85-89
A- Fairly Excellent 3.5 80-84
B+ Very Good 3.25 75-79
B Good 3.0 70-74
B- Fairly Good 2.75 65-69
C+ Fair 2.5 60-64
C Satisfactory 2.25 55-59
C- Minimum Satisfactory 2.0 50-54
D+ Fairly Poor 1.5 40-49
D Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit