The Persian Studies Program offers courses in various aspects of the Greater Iranian cultures and civilizations as well as the Minor in Persian Studies, which is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking greater understanding of the related peoples and cultures from ancient to contemporary times.
Founded in 2007, the Persian Studies Program at San Francisco State University is an academic resource for understanding, studying, and appreciating the cultural heritage belonging to a diverse ethnic collection of Afghans, Armenians, Assyrians, Azeris, Baluchs, Gilaks, Kurds, Lors, Persians, Tajiks, Turks and many others. This program allows students to explore languages, literatures, arts, history and cultures in all its manifestations. It exposes students to a broadly defined vision that spans and includes the diverse geographic and linguistic landscape of both historic and modern Persianate societies.
Declare a Minor in Persian Studies
To declare a minor, submit online request Declaration/Change of Major/Minor, then make an appointment to see the program advisor. Bring a copy of your most recent university transcript to the meeting.
The Persian Studies Minor program, consists of 15 units, offers a diverse range of multidisciplinary lower and upper division undergraduate courses in culture, history, philosophy, religion, literature, language, film and media.
Program Scope
The Minor in Persian Studies is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking greater knowledge and understanding of Persian speaking nations of Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and the Greater Iran, by studying New Persian language, literatures, history, cultures, religions, films, and various other topics from ancient to contemporary times.
The Persian Studies Minor consists of 15 units of lower- and upper-division core and elective courses. The program may waive the core language requirement (PRSN 101) if the student demonstrates appropriate competency through advising, by taking the placement test, or by having taken the equivalent coursework elsewhere.
Minor Requirements
The Persian Studies Minor consists of 6-10 units of lower and upper division core courses, and 5-9 units of elective courses. The program may waive the core language requirement (101) if the student demonstrates appropriate competency through advising, by taking the placement test, or by having taken the equivalent coursework elsewhere. Students must pass a minimum of 15 units to successfully complete the minor.
All course work used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Course Requirements
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Core Courses (6 - 10 units)
- PRSN 101 First Semester Persian* (4 units)
- PRSN 260 History and Cultures of Iran
- PRSN 503 Religions in Iran
*NOTE: PRSN 101 may be waived if the student demonstrates appropriate competency through advising, by taking the placement test, or by having taken the equivalent coursework elsewhere.
Elective Courses (5 - 9 units)
Select from the following courses upon advisement.
- PRSN 100 Persian Language Immersion
- PRSN 102 Second Semester Persian (4 units)
- PRSN 103 Third Semester Persian (4 units)
- PRSN 104 Fourth Semester Persian (4 units)
- PRSN 206 Basic Persian Conversation
- PRSN 250 Intermediate Persian
- PRSN 290 Persian Literatures in Translation
- PRSN 320 Iranian Cinema
- PRSN 350 Advanced Persian
- PRSN 411 Iranian Media in English
- PRSN 500 Introduction to Persian Literature
- PRSN 530 Topics in Persian Studies in English
- PRSN 699 Independent Study (1-3 units)
External Resources
University Sources:
- Academic Calendar
- Class Schedule
- University Bulletin
- View Current Course Descriptions
- Declare Persian Studies Minor
- Bulletin Description for the Minor in Persian Studies
- Registrar's Office Policies, Procedures, and Forms
- Language Lab
Other Website Sources:
Mission Statement
Iranian Student Association {ISA} at San Francisco State University is a dynamic student organization and an educational program founded by Persian Studies in 2007 to support and promote linguistic, cultural, and artistic activities. We aim to encourage a peaceful environment and strengthen links with other cultural and educational programs and departments at San Francisco State University and beyond.
We aim to enable student organizations to interact and foster intercultural respect, friendship, and leadership among individuals from all nations and backgrounds. At ISA, individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including international students and faculty can exhibit their heritage in a non-intimidating and culturally infused environment, learning about peoples, languages, and nuances of cultures. {Advising Professor: Dr. Ara}
Office of Iranian Student Association (ISA) & Afghan Student Association (ASA):
Persian Studies Student Centre: Humanities Building, Room 413
(415) 338-3110 / ISA@sfsu.edu / https://linktr.ee/ISASFSU
The Persian Studies Student Centre, located in Room 413 of the Humanities Building, is the reading room, tutorial centre, office of student organizations, as well as the cultural centre for students of Persian Studies and Middle East Studies. The centre provides access to reference materials, textbooks, journals, maps, online learning resources, International television, and radio programs broadcasted in the original languages through a Satellite system, and other related cultural materials. The centre offers students use of computers, printers, and other equipment. Academic and cultural events, such as film screenings, book signings, poetry readings, and annual festivals are also held at the centre and are open to all.
Office of Student Organizations:
- ISA (Iranian Student Association)
- ASA (Afghan Student Association)
Phone: 415-338-3110
Persian Studies Email: persian@sfsu.edu
