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.

Minor

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

PRSN 100 Persian Language Immersion (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 History and Cultures of Iran (Units: 3)

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

Exploration of the major themes and key historical moments in the development of cultures and civilizations of Iran from ancient times to present over the span of three millennia including historic, linguistic, ethnic, religious, artistic, and literary developments of the Greater Iranian nations. Significant shared terms such as Persia and Persian are critically explored and evaluated through an examination of the historical development of Iranian civilization through the late antique, medieval, and modern epochs.
(This course is offered as PRSN 260 and I R 260. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

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 320 Iranian Cinema (Units: 3)

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

Examination of Iranian films in English as a lens to understand issues in the broader world. Exploration and discussion of the historical development of visual arts and cinema in Iranian societies as a form of self-expression and communicative practice. Major themes in contemporary Iranian cultures will be examined through critical content, along with modes of humanistic and artistic inquiry, analysis, and interpretation.
(This course is offered as PRSN 320 [formerly PRSN 550] and CINE 320. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • 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 Iranian Media in English (Units: 3)

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

Development of critical thinking, reading, and writing skills for understanding Iranian socio-politics and culture through global media. Access, interpret, and develop a practical understanding of contemporary media, including social media. Understand the Iranian world in the future through techniques for media literacy.
(This course is offered as PRSN 411 and I R 415. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

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 503 Religions in Iran (Units: 3)

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

Exploration of the major religious traditions of Iran from its inception to the present day over the span of three millennia including Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Yarsanism, Mithraism, Mandaeism, Christianity, Manichaeism, Mazdakism, Islam (Sunni and Shia), Sufism, Yarsanism, and Bahai faith. Insight into not only Iranian identity, but also the way in which religious traditions grow, change, and influence one another through the spectrum of Greater Iranian history.
(This course is offered as PRSN 503 [formerly PRSN 450], PHIL 503, and RELS 503. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

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 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.