Coronavirus Information
Until further notice, the University of Arizona, in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, encourages all employees to work remotely. Our office in 440 Marshall Building is closed to the public, but you can reach the School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies, Monday–Friday 8am-5pm:
- Director: Ben Fortna bcfortna@arizona.edu 520-621-1732
- Administrative Assistant: Randa Abdu randaabdu@arizona.edu 520-561-2098
Get COVID-19 updates and information for the University of Arizona community. Also, see SBS resources for continuing instruction and learning.
Persian Program
We offer one of the top programs in the United States for Persian language study and Iranian studies.
Persian Language Study
Undergraduate Offerings
The School offers a B.A. in Middle Eastern and North African Studies with a focus in Persian language and culture. We also offer a minor in Persian Studies.
Undergraduates interested in lanuage proficiency can take courses in elementary, intermediate and advanced Persian.
Graduate Offerings
Students in the M.A. program can focus on Persian with concentrations such as language and literature; history, culture & politics, and linguistics. We offer third and fourth year language courses in Persian at the graduate level.
Ph.D. students can choose tracks such as 1) critical studies in modern Middle Eastern culture and society; 2) linguistics of Persian language; and 3) literatures among others.
The Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies also offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees focusing on 1) Modern or Classical Persian Literature and Culture or 2) Iranian (or other Persian speaking societies') history, religion, social organization, and politics.
Persian Coffee Hour
Meet Iranian students and students of Persian, practice your language skills, and enjoy a relaxed evening with pizza, Persian tea, and pastries.
Spring 2020: Meets Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm in Marshall 451 (Cancelled until further notice.)
Persian Courses
See the list of Persian language and content courses. Students wishing information on Persian language may contact Professor Kamran Talattof. More information on language proficiency may be found on the MENAS language page.
Persian-Related Funding
Funding for graduate students in Persian and Iranian Studies:
- Roshan Graduate Fellowship for Persian and Iranian Studies
- Taleghani Graduate Fellowship in Iranian Studies
Persian Faculty
Persian Faculty
Kamran Talattof Lecture Series
In an effort to stimulate lecture and colloquia with topics focused on Persian Studies, Professor Kamran Talattof recently provided seed money for a new lecture series in his name. The money will be used for travel expenses, lodging and honoraria to bring outstanding scholars to the University to speak on various aspects of Persian studies. Lecture Series information will be posted on this page, as well as the MENAS Events Calendar when scheduled. Contributions to the series are gladly accepted.
Persian Poetry
Tranlations of Persian Poetry by 12th century poet Nezami Ganjavi – A project by Professor Kamran Talattof.