B.A. in Persian Studies

The B.A. in Persian Studies (36 credits) provides students with a solid background in linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of the study of Persian. This includes the cultures of Iran, Afghanistan, Persian-speaking Central Asia, and the Persian diaspora. Students work toward competence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition, they become conversant in the contemporary political and daily life of Persian-speaking peoples.

The B.A. in Persian Studies prepares students for a range of professional opportunities, including careers in government, education, the arts, business, and communication.

To sign up for the Persian major, you must:

1. Satisfy the prerequisites(i.e., PERS101 and PERS 102), and
2. Declare Major

Course Listing

Degree Requirements:

All courses are 3 credits.

  • 18 credits of core language classes
  • At least 6 credits of upper level electives in Persian
  • Up to 12 credits of PERS electives in English
  • Supporting Area: 9 upper-level credits in a single area of study outside Persian Studies
  • No grade lower than a C (2.0) may be used toward the major

Core Language Courses (18 Credits):

  • PERS 201 Intermediate Persian I
  • PERS 211 Intermediate Conversation
  • PERS 202 Intermediate Persian II
  • PERS 212 Intermediate Reading
  • PERS 301 Advanced Persian I
  • PERS 302 Advanced Persian II

Note: Students may be placed out of one or more of the core language courses in consultation with the program advisor and move directly to more advanced courses based on proficiency. All students must complete 36 credits of coursework to satisfy the requirements for the B.A.

Upper Level Electives in Persian (at least 6 credits):

  • PERS 311 Persian Media
  • PERS 312 Iranian Culture
  • PERS 401 Persian Composition
  • PERS 402 Persian Translation
  • PERS 411 Readings in Modern Iranian History and Culture
  • PERS 412 Language and Identity
  • PERS 452 Modern Persian Literature: A Survey
  • PERS 453 Classical Persian Literature: A Survey
  • PERS 498 Special Topics in Persian Studies
  • PERS 499 Special Topics in Persian Literature

PERS Electives in English (maximum of 12 credits):

  • PERS 250 Contemporary Iranian Arts
  • PERS 251 Modern Iran
  • PERS 283 Iranian Cinema
  • PERS 353 Iranian Life in Literature and Film
  • PERS 371 Introduction to Persian Literature in Translation
  • PERS 372 The History of Persian
  • PERS 441 Islam in Iran

Note: Courses in Middle Eastern Studies taught in English outside the department may be substituted with approval of UG advisor.

For more information about degree requirements or to declare major, please contact the Persian Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Ali Abasi, at aabasi@umd.edu.