Undergraduates studying for a BA honours degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies may choose to focus entirely on Persian (T613) and related subjects in literature, history, art and culture, or may combine Persian with an additional language (T6TX). In addition to these courses, Persian may also be studied as an additional language as part of other degrees within the Faculty and wider University.
Persian is one of the major languages of the contemporary Middle East. It is spoken throughout Iran and over large areas of Afghanistan; and one of its branches, Tajik, is widely current in Central Asia. In the early modern period, it was the lingua franca for the educated élite in the Indian sub-continent and is still taught in Muslim communities there. Its literature contains some of the finest epic and lyric poetry and its general intellectual and artistic contribution to Islamic culture is unmatched. Ever since the ninth century when Persian (or Farsi) evolved, there has been little discrepancy between the spoken and written languages. In structure it is an Indo-European language (although written in the Arabic script), and therefore relatively easy to learn. Indeed, even in the space of an undergraduate course, it is possible to attain a good command of classical and modern Persian and to express oneself clearly and accurately in the language. There are none of the difficulties of a multiplicity of dialects or of a great chasm between classical and modern. For these reasons it is a sensible choice of subject for an undergraduate to make, since a thorough grounding can quickly be established from which the more challenging aspects of a different literature and culture can be explored.
Undergraduates are encouraged to spend some months in Iran where they may attend courses at Tehran University or at provincial centres. This will provide an exciting opportunity to study Iranian society and Persian as a living language at first hand. The 'year abroad' is recognized as often being a most formative and important part of an undergraduate's career and every effort is made to ensure that it is properly structured and monitored. For more information on the Year Abroad, please refer to the handbook.
Almost all those who study Persian use their knowledge of this important language in their subsequent careers. Some become journalists, or work in broadcasting. There is always a demand from the diplomatic service, oil companies, other multinationals, banking and commerce for those with a specialist knowledge of the area. A high proportion take higher degrees and then move into one of the above careers, the academic world, museum or library work, or international organizations.
For further information please download a copy of the Undergraduate 2023-24 Handbook.
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