Persian Studies
Persian Studies at ßÙßÇÂþ» is housed in the Department of Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (MEAMS). Persian language courses count towards fulfillment of requirements for the Middle East Studies major and minor.
Coursework
Language offerings include PERS 101/501 (Elementary Persian I): It’s easy to learn and difficult to forget! This course introduces students to Persian—the official language of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan; spoken by over 130 million speakers worldwide; and the language of many of the most famous and enduring works of poetry, prose, and film. Students will develop basic proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Persian. They will learn the Persian alphabet and writing system, and begin learning essential vocabulary, fundamental grammatical structures, and basic conversation skills. They will be introduced to aspects of a rich and exciting cultural heritage, including many common customs and traditions. By the end of the semester, students will engage in simple conversations, read basic texts, and gain knowledge and understanding of the Persian-speaking world. No prior knowledge of Persian is required or expected. Completion of PERS 101 fulfills a foreign language Gen Ed (WL1).
Omid Ghaemmaghami
Associate Professor/Undergraduate Director - Middle East Studies
Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean Studies