Modern Languages and Literatures – Persian Studies

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Dr. Andrew Harris

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Humanities Building, Room 475
Phone: (415) 338-1421
Chair: Charles Egan

Coordinator: Mitra Ara
Email: persian@sfsu.edu
Website: mll.sfsu.edu/persian-program/

Program Scope

The Minor in Persian Studies is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking greater knowledge and understanding of Persian speaking nations of Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and the Greater Iran, by studying New Persian language, literature, history, culture, religion, films, and various other topics from ancient to contemporary times.
The Persian minor consists of 15-19 units of lower- and upper-division core and elective courses. The program may waive the core language requirement (PRSN 101) if the student demonstrates appropriate competency through advising, by taking the placement test, or by having taken the equivalent coursework elsewhere. Students must pass a minimum of 15 units to successfully complete the minor.

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

PRSN 100 Summer Immersion Persian (Units: 3)

Proficiency in the skills of listening, writing, reading, and speaking the Persian language. Exploration of the geography and culture of the Persian-speaking countries.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 101 First Semester Persian (Units: 4)

First semester elementary modern Persian, designed to develop proficiency in the fundamental skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing Persian. Exploration of the geography, history, culture, and religion of the Persian-speaking world.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 102 Second Semester Persian (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: PRSN 101 or equivalent.

Continuation of First-Semester Persian.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 103 Third Semester Persian (Units: 4)

Prerequisites: PRSN 101, PRSN 102, or equivalents.

Third semester modern Persian, designed to further develop proficiency in the fundamental skills of reading and speaking. Continued exploration of the geography, history, culture, and religion of the Persian-speaking world.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 104 Fourth Semester Persian (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: PRSN 103 or equivalent.

Fourth semester modern Persian, designed to further develop proficiency in the fundamental skills of reading, speaking and translating. Continued study of Persian language, literature and culture to achieve a deeper understanding.

PRSN 206 Basic Persian Conversation (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: PRSN 102 or equivalent.

Review basic grammar; develop proficiency in the skills of listening and speaking the Persian language.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 250 Intermediate Persian (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: PRSN 206 or equivalent.

Continued development of grammar and conversation skills.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 260 Persian Culture and Civilization in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: First-year composition or equivalent or consent of the instructor.

Exploration of major themes in the development of Persian culture and civilization from antiquity to present including, but not limited to, religions, languages, ethnicities, arts, traditions, and customs. Taught in English.

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 290 Introduction to Persian Literature in Translation (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent.

Examination of history, cultures, traditions, and religions as major themes in contemporary literature by Persian writers. Taught in English. [Formerly PRSN 510]

Course Attributes:

C2: Humanities
C3 or C2: Humanities/Lit.
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 350 Advanced Persian (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: PRSN 250 or equivalent.

Development of advanced language skills; focus on recognizing forms of standard and vernacular speaking.

PRSN 411 Persian Media in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1*, A2*, A3*, and B4* or consent of the instructor.

Development of Persian socio-political and cultural understanding through the examination of current events as presented in the media in the English language.

Course Attributes:

UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
Global Perspectives

PRSN 450 Religious Traditions in Iran (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1*, A2*, A3*, and B4* all with grades of C- or better or consent of the instructor.

An investigation into the religious traditions of Iran from the inception to the present-day. Taught in English.

Course Attributes:

UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
Global Perspectives

PRSN 500 Introduction to Persian Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: PRSN 350 or equivalent.

Development of poetry and prose in the Persian literature in different periods and genres. Taught in the Persian language.

PRSN 530 Topics in Persian Studies in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: GE Area E.

Introduction to Iranian languages, literatures, cultures, arts, history, cinema, and other Iranian, Afghani, and Persian related topics. Taught in English. May be repeated for a total of 9 units when topics vary. [Formerly PRSN 550, generic]

PRSN 550 Persian Culture Through Films in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1*, A2*, A3*, and B4* all with grades of C- or better or consent of the instructor.

Aspects of contemporary Iranian cultures as presented in the Iranian film are examined in a critical context.

Course Attributes:

UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
Global Perspectives
Social Justice

PRSN 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisite: PRSN 350 or equivalent.

Written projects in English or Persian that require critical analysis and interpretation of cultural or literary issues. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.