The Bachelor of Arts in Persian Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Persian studies provides students with a solid background in Persian language and culture. Majors work toward communicative competence in Persian, in addition to studying the evolution of historical and contemporary Iranian and Persian cultures in their diverse perspectives, practices and products. Through language acquisition, cultural investigation and professional growth, graduates become well-rounded global citizens prepared for a variety of careers.
Offered by the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC), the Persian major explores the contemporary and historical cultures of Iran, Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, and the Persian diaspora, offering a multidisciplinary curriculum with courses covering topics including Iranian history, arts, theater and cinema; Persian language, literature and linguistics; Islamic studies; and digital humanities.
Persian Programs
SLLC offers the only Persian Flagship Program in the United States. It trains students to attain superior proficiency in Persian language as well as a deep understanding of the life and culture of Persian-speaking countries. Additionally, the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies provides generous student funding and engaging cultural programming.
Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs contact your undergraduate advisor and UMD Education Abroad.
Program Requirements
World Language Placement Assessment (WPL)
All students new to SLLC must take the online WLP before registering for classes.
Note: World language placement assessment (WLP) is designed to ensure that you are registered for the correct language course. Even students with little to no background in the language must take the assessment.
Prerequisite Courses for The Persian Studies Major
(See TESTUDO for the current list of PERS course offerings)
PERS 101 - Elementary Persian I - 4
Prerequisites: None
PERS 102 - Elementary Persian II - 4
Prerequisites: PERS 102
Note: Students with prior experience in Persian may satisfy these prerequisites with an appropriate World Language Placement Test (WPT) score.
Language Acquisition Courses (18 Credits)
(See TESTUDO for the current list of PERS course offerings)
PERS 201 - Intermediate Persian I - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 102
PERS 202 - Intermediate Persian II - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 201
PERS 211 - Intermediate Conversation - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 102. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in PERS 201
PERS 212 - Intermediate Reading in Persian - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 211 and PERS 201; or permission of instructor. Corequisite: PERS 202
PERS 301 - Advanced Persian I - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 202
PERS 302 - Advanced Persian II - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
Electives in Persian (6 credits of upper-level courses)
(See TESTUDO for the current list of PERS course offerings)
PERS 311 - Persian Media 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
PERS 312 - Contemporary Iranian Culture - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
PERS 401 - Persian Composition - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
PERS 402 - Persian Translation - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
PERS 411 - Readings in Iranian Islam - 3
Prerequisites: PERS 301
PERS 452 - Modern Persian Literature: A Survey - 3
Prerequisites: Permission of Advisor
PERS 498 - Special Topics in Persian Studies - 3
Prerequisites: Permission of Advisor
Note:
- Students placing out of courses required for the BA or minor may replace these courses in consultation with the program advisor according to their proficiency level.
- Students must take language acquisition courses sequentially, i.e., 103, 203, 204, 250, etc. Once credit has been received in a higher-level language acquisition, a lower-level course may not be taken for credit.
- While many courses are not open to fluent/native speakers, others may be. Please contact the program advisor to discuss your choices before registering.
Electives in English (Maximum of 12 credits)
(See TESTUDO for the current list of PERS course offerings)
PERS 251 - Modern Iran - 3
Prerequisites: None
PERS 283 - Iranian Cinema - 3
Prerequisites: None
PERS 353 - Iranian Life in Literature and Film - 3
Prerequisites: None
PERS 371 - Introduction to Persian Literature in Translation - 3
Prerequisites: None
PERS 441 - Islam in Iran - 3
Prerequisites: None
Note: Courses in Middle Eastern Studies taught in English outside the department may be substituted with the approval of the undergraduate advisor.
Additional Program Information
Declaring the Major
We recommend that interested students declare their major as early as possible
Step 1
Carefully read PERS major Requirements
Step 3
Read through all forms carefully, and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with the program advisor, Dr. Ali R. Abasi (aabasi@umd.edu).
Step 5
Contact the Office of Student Affairs at the College of Arts and Humanities (301-405-2108) to make an appointment to discuss the non-Arabic aspects of your 4-Year plan (bring signed form from previous step), including CORE courses. Walk-in hours are also available.
Step 6
If you are adding Persian Studies as an additional major, check with your home department and college to identify paperwork you may need to complete.
Beyond the Classroom: Immersion Programs & Opportunities
SLLC offers several opportunities to develop linguistic and cultural skills beyond the classroom:
- Develop Persian fluency through the on-campus Language House Living & Learning Residential Program
- Boost language skills through intensive study at the Persian Summer Institute
- Deepen linguistic and cultural knowledge through Study Abroad
- Practice Persian with a native speaker on-campus through the SLLC Language Partner Program
Advisor
Ali Abasi
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Associate Professor, Advisor, Persian Flagship
3112 H.J. Patterson Hall
College Park
MD,
20742