Minor Program in Persian, Iranian, and Persianate Studies
Explore one of the world’s richest cultural, literary, and intellectual traditions while gaining skills and knowledge that set you apart in today’s global landscape.
Why Study the Minor?
This minor doesn’t just teach language—it invites you to engage critically with Persianate culture, allowing you to explore your heritage in a meaningful, scholarly way.
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Explore Persian Literature
Dive into works by Rumi, Hafez, and modern thinkers, discovering profound themes of love, humanity, and justice through original texts.
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Stand Out Globally
Master a less commonly taught language, making you a strong candidate in multicultural and international fields like diplomacy and academia.
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Reconnect with Heritage
Explore Persianate culture while engaging critically with your roots through a meaningful, scholarly perspective.
Course Structure of the Minor
The Minor in Asian Language and Culture focuses on Persian, Iranian, and Persianate language and culture. It is designed for students pursuing an interdisciplinary understanding of these areas through language courses and cultural content courses offered by the Asian Studies Department.
Outline
To complete the Minor, students must earn a total of 30 credits. This includes a combination of language courses under the PERS and ARBM designations and content courses under the ASIA designation. The program is structured to ensure students gain both linguistic proficiency and a deep understanding of Persianate cultural studies.
Students are encouraged to balance their coursework by selecting a mix of language-focused and cultural content courses. This combination allows them to develop both practical language skills and a deeper appreciation of the historical, literary, and cultural aspects of Persianate studies.
Criteria
- Language Courses (12–18 credits): Students are required to complete 12–18 credits of language-focused courses under the PERS (Persian) and ARBM (Arabic) designations. These courses cover foundational to advanced language skills, enabling students to develop proficiency in Persian and/or Arabic.
- Basic and Intermediate Levels: At least 6–12 credits should be earned through lower-level (100–200) PERS or ARBM courses, focusing on fundamental grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and conversational skills.
- Advanced Level (300+): A minimum of 6 credits must be taken in PERS courses at the 300-level or higher. These advanced courses emphasize complex grammar, textual analysis, media studies, and cultural applications of the Persian language, preparing students for specialized or professional use of Persian.
- Content Courses (12–18 credits): Students must also complete 12–18 credits of cultural, historical, and literary courses under the ASIA designation. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of Persianate culture, history, and literature within the broader Asian studies context.
- Focus on Persianate Studies: Courses should specifically explore topics related to Persian literature, Iranian history, Persianate culture, and their intersections with Islamic and Central Asian traditions.
- Upper-Level Requirements: At least 12 credits must be earned in upper-level (300+) ASIA courses. These advanced courses delve into classical and modern Persian literature, cultural analysis, and historical perspectives, fostering a deep understanding of Persianate identity and influence.
Summary of Minor Requirements
To complete the Minor in Asian Language and Culture with a focus on Persian, Iranian, and Persianate studies, students must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a total of 30 credits from eligible courses.
- Complete 12–18 credits in language courses (PERS and ARBM), including at least 6 credits at the 300-level or higher in PERS.
- Complete 12–18 credits in content courses (ASIA), with at least 12 upper-level (300+) credits focused on Persian literature, Iranian history, or Persianate culture.
This well-rounded program ensures students achieve advanced language proficiency while gaining a rich understanding of Persianate cultural and historical contexts.
Courses by Category
| Course Code | Course Name | Professor | Semester Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERS 100 | Basic Persian I | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| PERS 101 | Basic Persian II | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| PERS 104 | Persian Reading and Writing for Persian-Speaking Students | Dr. H. Dehghani | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| PERS 200 | Intermediate-Low Persian I | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| PERS 201 | Intermediate-Low Persian II | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| PERS 300 | Intermediate-High Persian I | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| PERS 301 | Intermediate-High Persian II | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| PERS 310 | Persian Media | Dr. H. Dehghani | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| PERS 400 | Persian Short Story for Native and Heritage Speakers | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| PERS 401 | Contemporary Iranian Cinema | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| PERS 451 | Persian through Shahnameh | Dr. H. Dehghani | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| ARBM 101 | Introductory Modern Arabic I | Dr. N. Naqvi | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| ARBM 102 | Introductory Modern Arabic II | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| ARBM 201 | Intermediate Modern Arabic I | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| ARBM 202 | Intermediate Modern Arabic II | Dr. H. Dehghani | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| ARBM 450 | Advanced Studies in Modern Arabic Language and Cultures | Dr. N. Naqvi | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Professor | Semester Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASIA 366 | Topics in Asian Studies: Islamic and Persianate Sufism | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| ASIA 366B | Gender & Sexuality in Classical Persian Literature | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| ASIA 391 | Classical Islam | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| ASIA 392 | Classical Persian Literature in English Translation | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| ASIA 393 | History of Iran from the Sasanians to the Safavids | Dr. A. Hoffman | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Professor | Semester Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASIA 328 | Modern Islam | Dr. N. Naqvi | 2025 Summer | 3 |
| ASIA 366A | Iranian Women Writers and Artists | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| ASIA 394 | Post-Revolutionary Iranian Cinema | Dr. M. Abedinifard | 2024 Fall | 3 |
| ASIA 395 | Modern Persian Literature | Dr. H. Dehghani | 2025 Spring | 3 |
| ASIA 461 | Gender and Sexuality in Modern Iranian Narratives | Dr. N. Naqvi | 2025 Summer | 3 |
Interactive Minor Completion Form
Select the courses you’ve completed below or manually enter your completed credits to check eligibility for the Minor Program.
Meet Our Advisors
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