Persian

Link Drop-down options

Studying Persian at the University of Oklahoma offers students a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world’s oldest and most influential languages. Through a dynamic curriculum that integrates language acquisition with cultural, historical, and literary exploration, students gain valuable insight into the Persian-speaking world, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. The program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students for careers in international relations, global business, government service, academia, and beyond. With dedicated faculty and a supportive learning environment, OU’s Persian program fosters critical thinking, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of Persian heritage. The Persian language is sometimes also called “Farsi.” The proper name of the language in English is “Persian”; Farsi is what Persian is called in Persian, just as German is called Deutsch in German, or French is called Français in French.

Degrees Offered

We offer Persian language courses from the introductory to advanced levels, along with cultural classes that explore the rich heritage of the Persian-speaking world. Students may also combine the study of Persian with other majors and/or minors such as International and Area Studies, political science, linguistics, journalism, and MENA studies.

Back to Top

Persian at OU

Why Study Persian at OU?

Small class sizes
All Persian students are eligible for the Farzaneh Family Persian Language Scholarship
Free tutoring is available for all students
Classes promote a stressless and fun environment, providing students with individual attention
The language lab has excellent contemporary Iranian films
Persian students gain important skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Students also gain an understanding of Iranian culture
Provides preparation for careers in interpreting, translation, international affairs, diplomacy, Middle Eastern Studies, defense, and more
It’s easy and fun!

Career Opportunities

Academia
Courts
Defense
Diplomacy
Journalism
Healthcare
Human Rights Organizations
International Corporations
International Relations
Oil Industry
Tech
Think Tanks
Translation
United Nations

Courses Offered

PERS 1115 Beginning Persian
- This course is for students who have no background in the Persian language and wish to learn the language at an academic level. Students learn the Persian alphabet, phonology, and syntax.
PERS 1225 Beginning Persian Continued
- An elementary-level course, which stresses oral communication, vocabulary building, simple sentence structure, reading comprehension and writing elementary-level texts, and gaining familiarity with Persian culture. Prerequisite: PERS 1115.
PERS 2113 Intermediate Persian
- An intermediate level course, which will stress listening, speaking, reading and writing at the intermediate level with more emphasis on reading and writing. Students are expected to gain proficiency of Intermediate Mid on the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages Scale. Prerequisite: PERS 1225.
PERS 2223 Intermediate Persian Continued
- Intermediate-level course, which will continue developing language skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading at the intermediate high-level. Students are expected to gain proficiency of Intermediate High on the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages Scale. Prerequisite: PERS 2113.
PERS 3113: Advanced Persian I
- In this course, students will delve into Persian literature post-1994, exploring how modern narratives capture the complexities of contemporary Persian society. Through a mixture of class discussions, reflective writing assignments, and analytical essays, students will refine their language skills and engage critically with the material. By the end of the semester, students should reach the ACTFL Advanced Low proficiency level. Prerequisite: PERS 2223.
PERS 3223: Advanced Persian II
- Students will explore a rich array of Persian literary works, from classical poetry to contemporary narratives, as we trace the evolution of Persian poetry and cultural expression. This course will further enhance students' command of the Persian language, with an emphasis on both classical and modern texts. Students will refine their language skills while engaging critically with the material. Prerequisite: PERS 3113.
PERS 3440 Mentored Research Experience
- For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit. Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 or equivalent.

Back to Top

Persian Faculty and Advisors

Mina Raminsabet

Instructor, Persian

mramin@ou.edu
Mina Raminsabet's Bio

Bryan Allwine

Academic Advisor

Office: Kaufman Hall, Room 203A
Email: bryan.allwine-1@ou.edu

Make Appointment with Bryan Allwine

Back to Top