Persian Studies MA (Hons)

Persian is one of the major languages of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its modern form has three variants which, collectively, are the first language of over 120 million people. It is the national language of Iran, indigenously known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan.<br/><br/>To study Persian is to enter into a rich and diverse culture that has produced:<br/><br/><br/>* major epic and Sufi poets<br/><br/><br/>* world-class cinema<br/><br/><br/>* exquisite fine art and textiles<br/><br/><br/>Our programme is also your gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. You will study Irans historical, literary, cultural and political life and the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.<br/><br/>With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for graduates of Persian in Scotland, the UK and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in the modern language and to understand Middle Eastern cultures, will make you stand out.<br/><br/><strong>Language learning in its cultural context</strong><br/><br/>Through the study of the written and spoken language, you will learn to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues. You will also gain the skills to engage with original material and contemporary Persian texts on:<br/><br/><br/>* society and culture<br/><br/><br/>* history and politics<br/><br/><br/>* literature, art, and cinema<br/><br/><br/>Our programme is designed for complete beginners in Persian. It is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Persian through exemptions from introductory language study.<br/><br/>Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in Persian, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.<br/><br/><strong>Why Edinburgh</strong><br/><br/>The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, Islam, and the Middle East.<br/><br/>As part of your programme, you can opt to learn Arabic, Turkish or one of many other world languages.<br/><br/>You will have access to over 23,000 resources in the Universitys collections in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and a regular programme of workshops, film screenings, book launches and guest seminars.<br/><br/>When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.<br/><br/><strong>How long it takes to complete this degree programme</strong><br/><br/>This programme is studied over 4 years, including up to one year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.<br/><br/>Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in the Persian language and in the study of Islam and the Middle East. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change or widen your focus by, for example, moving onto a joint honours programme.<br/><br/>Your final two years will be your honours years. You may be able to spend time studying abroad in Year 3, gaining lived experience of Middle Eastern cultures. Your learning will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to the study of Persian literature, Iran, Islam and the Middle East. You will also further develop your Persian language and translation skills and write a dissertation.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Learn in an historic city where Persian has been taught since the 19th century.<br/><br/><br/>* Become fluent in a language spoken by over 120 million people worldwide.<br/><br/><br/>* Try out different subjects in your first two years.<br/><br/><br/>* Join societies related to what you are studying.<br/><br/><br/>* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.<br/>