Persian

About Persian

Persian language at the University of Utah is part of the interdisciplinary program in Middle East Studies. Students will not only learn the language but will also gain a preliminary understanding of the cultures connected to the language. Historically, Persian, also known as Farsi, has been spoken from the Middle East to India, but today, is understood in parts of Armenia, Azerbaijan, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey.

Students desiring a Persian major or minor have several available options. Students can major or minor in World Languages and Cultures with an emphasis in Persian. Students can also choose the interdisciplinary major in Middle East Studies with a Persian Emphasis, or choose from one of two associated minors which are advised by the International and Area Studies Advisors.

Undergraduate

BA In Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies major is designed to provide students with language and cultural competence in the region of the Middle which can become the foundation for careers in public affairs, public service, business, and many other fields. Students pursuing the major may study Persian as their language emphasis.

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Minor In Middle East Studies

The Middle East Studies minor is designed to be paired with another major in a discipline, so that students can combine discipline-specific skills with a degree of language and cultural competency. Students pursuing the minor may study Persian as their language.

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Persian Courses

We offer courses and resources designed to train students in Persian, also known as Farsi, at all stages of proficiency. In addition to three years of language learning, Persian literature and culture courses are also available. These courses may be found on the Middle East Studies’ website. For graduate students wanting to study the language, there are also graduate-level courses available.

Provide students with a basic knowledge of Persian. Students will learn written and colloquial Persian simultaneously. Adapted stories and natural texts will familiarize students with various aspects of Iranian culture.

Credits: 4

Continuing development of basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with emphasis on active oral communication.

Credits: 4

Further development of vocabulary, speaking, writing, and grammatical skills. Supplemental reading materials will provide insight into Iranian culture and will serve as a basis for in-class discussion.

Credits: 4

All language skills will be developed to an advanced level. Students will read and analyze prose and poetry segments from both the modern and classical traditions of Persian literature. The class sessions will be in Persian, with occasional use of English for explanation of difficult points of grammar or analysis.

Credits: 3

All language skills will be developed to an advanced level. Students will continue to read and analyze prose and poetry segments from both the modern and classical traditions of Persian literature. The class sessions will be in Persian, with occasional use of English for explanation of difficult points of grammar or analysis.

Credits: 3

Course number used on as-needed basis. One use is for mini-seminars by visiting scholars.

Credits: 1 - 4

FLAS Scholarship

Persian is an approved language for a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, a federally funded awards offered through the University of Utah's Asia Center. These scholarships provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students who study modern foreign languages and related area studies, and students learning Persian are encouraged to apply!

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