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 12 units. It offers a diverse range of multidisciplinary lower- and upper-division undergraduate courses in history, culture, philosophy, religion, literature, language, cinema, and media.
Program Scope
The Minor in Persian Studies is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking a more profound knowledge and understanding of Persian-speaking nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and the broader region of Greater Iran, through the study of the history, culture, religion, philosophy, film, language, literature, and various other topics spanning ancient to contemporary times.
The Persian Studies Minor consists of 12 units of lower- and upper-division core and elective courses.
Minor Requirements
The Persian Studies minor consists of 6 units of core courses and 6 units of elective courses. Students must pass a minimum of 12 units to complete the minor. A minimum of 6 upper-division units is required to complete the minor.
Core Courses (6 units)
- PRSN 101 First Semester Persian (3 units)
- PRSN/PHIL/RELS 503 Religions in Iran (3 units)
Elective Courses (6 units)
- PRSN 100 Persian Language Immersion (3 units)
- PRSN 102 Second Semester Persian (3 units)
- PRSN/I R 260 History and Cultures of Iran (3 units)
- PRSN 290 Persianate Literatures in Translation (3 units)
- PRSN/CINE 320 Iranian Cinema (3 units)
- PRSN 411/I R 415 Iranian Media in English (3 units)
- PRSN/PHIL 502 World Religions (3 units)
- PRSN/PHIL 509 The Buddhist Tradition (3 units)
- PRSN 699 Independent Study (1-3 units)
All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Click here for the link to the Persian Studies Minor bulletin requirements.
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
