Asian Studies Major, B.A.–Persian Studies Concentration 

专业介绍

Persian (Farsi) is the official language of Iran, Afghanistan (where it is called Dari), and Tajikistan (where it is called Tajiki), and is spoken by over 100 million people worldwide. With a literary tradition that spans more than a millennium, Persian boasts one of the world’s richest and most influential bodies of poetry, prose, philosophy, and historiography. Persian has played a major role in the cultural and intellectual history of the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

The Persian Studies concentration provides students with a strong foundation in the Persian language while offering broad exposure to the cultures, histories, and literatures of the Persian-speaking world. Students develop language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a sequenced curriculum that emphasizes authentic materials, including modern and classical literature, media, and film. Instruction integrates both formal (written) and colloquial (spoken) Persian, preparing students for academic research, professional use, and everyday communication.

In addition to language courses, students explore the rich traditions of Persianate societies through interdisciplinary offerings in literature, visual culture, cinema, religion, and history. Coursework covers both the pre-modern and modern periods, highlighting the intersections between Iran and neighboring regions such as the Arab world, Central Asia, and South Asia.

The Persian Studies concentration equips students with critical cultural literacy and global perspectives valuable in fields such as international relations, education, translation, journalism, nonprofit work, business, and academia. Graduates of the program are prepared for further study in Middle Eastern studies, comparative literature, and related disciplines.