Click below on the different course levels to see brief descriptions of each of our courses along with links to view the current semesters that they're offered.

PERS 199 - Undergraduate Open Seminar

May be repeated.

See terms offered.

PERS 201 - Elementary Persian I

Introduction to Persian, including conversation with a native speaker under the direction of a linguist-instructor, and a minimum of formal grammar and writing.

See terms offered.

PERS 202 - Elementary Persian II

Continuation of PERS 201, with introduction of more advanced grammar and with emphasis on more fluency in speaking and reading. Prerequisite: PERS 201 or equivalent.

See terms offered.

PERS 403 - Intermediate Persian I

General review of the essentials of grammar, selected reading of materials emphasizing Iranian life and culture, compositions, and practice in speech. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: PERS 202.

See terms offered.

PERS 404 - Intermediate Persian II

General review of the essentials of grammar, selected reading of materials emphasizing Iranian life and culture, compositions, and practice in speech. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: PERS 403.

See terms offered.

PERS 453 - Advanced Persian I

Students will develop the ability to read and understand paragraph level text, expand on their oral skills, continue to refine Persian writing skills and expand knowledge on Persian-speaking cultures. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: PERS 403 and PERS 404; or consent of Persian Studies Program Director (determined after placement test taken by student).

See terms offered.

PERS 454 - Advanced Persian II

Continuation of PERS 453. Students will become independent users of the language by studying more complex structures and contexts such as stories, news reports and movies. Students will also learn details of Persian grammar and apply them in written tasks. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: PERS 453; or consent of Persian Studies Program Director (determined after placement test taken by student).

See terms offered.

Elementary Persian 1 (PERS 201, 5 credits)

Course objectives:

  • Basic speaking, writing, and reading
  • Introduction to the diverse cultures of Iran
  • Learn Persian script & sound system
  • Develop a working vocabulary
  • Learn basic grammatical concepts

Elementary Persian 2 (PERS 202, 5 credits)

Course objectives:

  • Continue to master the sounds and script of the Persian language
  • Refine basic reading, writing, and speaking skills
  • Further develop vocabulary for everyday situations
  • Learn additional grammatical concepts (e.g. past, subjunctive, etc.)
  • Engage with various aspects of Persian-speaking culture

Intermediate Persian 1 (PERS 403, 4 credits)

Course objectives:

  • Practice more sophisticate Persian writing
  • Develop the ability to comprehend extended texts
  • Learn multiple tenses
  • Expand conversational ability
  • Increase working vocabulary beyond everyday commonalities
  • Engage with more in-depth grammar in a series of communicative activities
  • Further understanding of Persian-speaking cultures in Iran

Intermediate Persian 2 (PERS 404, 4 credits)

Course objectives:

  • Refinement of intermediate level reading, writing, and speaking
  • Spoken communication at a complex intermediate level
  • Compare Persian-speaking cultures to students' own cultures
  • Connect the Persian language to other relevant disciplines and current topics
  • Master extending thinking and speaking in Persian outside of the classroom

Advanced Persian 1 (PERS 453, 3 undergraduate / 4 graduate credits)

Course objectives:

  • Develop advanced language skills in listening, speaking, writing, and reading comprehension
  • Practice reading texts of advanced level
  • Communicate in Persian on a variety of topics
  • Learn variety of real-life language tasks through writing paragraphs, short essays, reports, and summaries

Advanced Persian 2 (PERS 454, 3 undergraduate / 4 graduate credits)

Course objectives:

  • Develop advanced language skills in listening, speaking, writing, and reading comprehension
  • Write complex paragraphs
  • Develop cultural awareness through additional readings, movies and class discussions
  • Converse in Persian in relation to the reading material introduced in the texts
  • Develop listening comprehension and speaking skills, and initiate and carry complex conversations

Example Classroom Experience