Courses - Spring 2026
PERS104
Beginning Persian II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PERS103; or must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Restriction: Must not be a native/fluent speaker of Persian. Native/fluent speakers of Persian or students who have previously attended school in Persian speaking countries should take the World Language Placement and see the Persian Program Advisor to identify the correct Persian course for which to register.
Credit only granted for: PERS102 or PERS104.
Continuation of PERS103 with sustained emphasis on the simultaneous development of structural and communicative competence in Persian.
PERS202
Intermediate Persian II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PERS201; or must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP).
Restriction: Must not be native/fluent speaker of Persian.
Further development of speaking, writing, listening and cultural knowledge, with special focus on culture.
PERS251
Modern Iran
Cross-listed with: HIST219X.
Credit only granted for: PERS251 or HIST219X.
General sociopolitical introduction to modern Iran from establishment of the Qajar dynasty in the late 18th century to the present day. Taught in English.
PERS280
Art Activism in Iran
Credit only granted for: PERS289M, ARTH389O, or PERS280.
Formerly: PERS298M.
Explores Iranian artists' intent and hope for change and their critical and playful strategies of making a difference through their visual or performing arts created since 1980. While exploring key concepts, contexts, and debates by examining a variety of artworks, we explore diverse and unique transgressive stories, strategies, and styles that these works present to address themes of social justice through the art. We examine how multimedia art forms (dance, theatre, cinema, painting, digital art, and music) empower Iranian artists to practice their identity and exercise their agency as these aspects intersect with race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, ability, and education in a shifting and multilayered context.
PERS302
Advanced Persian II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PERS301; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Restriction: Must not be native/fluent speaker of Persian.
Further development of speaking, reading, writing, listening and cultural knowledge, with special focus on reading, in a variety of literary genres.
PERS312
Contemporary Iranian Culture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PERS301; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Restriction: Must not be native/fluent speaker of Persian.
Study of the culture of contemporary Iran (post-evolution) with focus on the contemporary social, political, literary and artistic life in Iran. Taught in Persian.
PERS385
Theatre and Dance in Iran and Afghanistan
Repeatable to 3 credits if content differs.
Cross-listed with: TDPS358A, THET328W.
Credit only granted for: TDPS358A, THET328W, PERS398A, or PERS385.
Formerly: PERS398A.
Students will learn about stories, plays, and movements in Iran and Afghanistan from past to present. Through watching performances, readings, and discussions, we explore the relationship between storytelling, body, space, and power in forming and performing identity and life experiences. Looking at case studies from traditional, popular, and western style dance and theater are an exciting part of the course. Note: This course requires no prior knowledge of Persian culture or dance and theatre studies on the part of the students.
Cross-listed with TDPS358A and THET328W. Credit will be only granted for PERS385 or TDPS358A or THET328W.
PERS386
Experiential Learning
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Pre-professional experience in research, analysis and writing in a work setting. Project proposal approved by faculty and internship sponsor.
PERS399
Directed Study in Persian
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PERS498A
Special Topics in Persian Studies; Advanced Literacy Skills in Persian
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Taught in Persian.
PERS498D
Special Topics in Persian Studies; Political, Economic, and Social Thought in Today's Iran
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Taught in Persian.
PERS498E
Special Topics in Persian Studies; Translation of Contemporary Persian Texts
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Taught in Persian.
PERS498G
Special Topics in Persian Studies; Masterpieces of Modern Persian Literature
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The genesis of Iran s first generation of Modern writers was one of the main consequences of Iran s Constitutional Revolution (1905-1907), and the effect of publication of numerous newspapers and journals. Being acquainted with modern literary techniques, modern approaches and attitudes in prose and poetry created a fertile ground for flourishing of the most notable writers and poets with social and political concernsin Iran. The Course will cast a light on some of the most renowned Persian contemporary writers and poets. The assessment of the works, careers andstyles of several writers and poets in modern Persian literature is the main objective of this class. Also, it aims to develop student's abilities to research and present oral and written works effectively andimprove their analytical skills and interactive capacities.
PERS498P
Special Topics in Persian Studies; Performing Arts of Iran
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Taught in Persian.
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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