The Persian & Iranian Studies Program offers courses in various aspects of the Greater Iranian cultures and civilizations as well as the Minor in Persian & Iranian Studies, which is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking greater understanding of the related peoples and cultures from ancient to contemporary times.
Founded in 2007, the Persian & Iranian Studies Program at San Francisco State University is an academic resource for understanding, studying, and appreciating the cultural heritage belonging to a diverse ethnic collection of Afghans, Armenians, Assyrians, Azeris, Baluchs, Gilaks, Kurds, Lors, Persians, Tajiks, Turks and many others. This program allows students to explore languages, literatures, arts, history and cultures in all its manifestations. It exposes students to a broadly defined vision that spans and includes the diverse geographic and linguistic landscape of both historic and modern Persianate societies.
Declare a Minor in Persian & Iranian Studies
To declare a minor, submit online request Declaration/Change of Major/Minor, then make an appointment to see the program advisor. Bring a copy of your most recent university transcript to the meeting.
The Persian & Iranian Studies Minor program consists of 12 units. It offers a diverse range of multidisciplinary lower- and upper-division undergraduate courses in history, culture, philosophy, religion, literature, language, cinema, and media.
Program Scope
The Minor in Persian & Iranian Studies is a multidisciplinary program for students seeking a more profound knowledge and understanding of Persian-speaking nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and the broader region of Greater Iran, through the study of the history, culture, religion, philosophy, film, language, literature, and various other topics spanning ancient to contemporary times.
The Persian & Iranian Studies Minor consists of 12 units of lower- and upper-division core and elective courses. Click here for the link to the Persian & Iranian Studies Minor bulletin requirements.
Mission Statement
Iranian Student Association {ISA} at San Francisco State University is a dynamic student organization and an educational program founded by Persian & Iranian Studies in 2007 to support and promote linguistic, cultural, and artistic activities. We aim to encourage a peaceful environment and strengthen links with other cultural and educational programs and departments at San Francisco State University and beyond.
We aim to enable student organizations to interact and foster intercultural respect, friendship, and leadership among individuals from all nations and backgrounds. At ISA, individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including international students and faculty can exhibit their heritage in a non-intimidating and culturally infused environment, learning about peoples, languages, and nuances of cultures. {Advising Professor: Dr. Ara}
Office of Iranian Student Association (ISA) & Afghan Student Association (ASA):
Persian & Iranian Studies Student Centre: Humanities Building, Room 413
(415) 338-3110 / ISA@sfsu.edu / https://linktr.ee/ISASFSU
The Persian & Iranian Studies student lounge, located in Room 413 of the Humanities Building, serves as the main hub for students' activities, tutorials, and student organization offices. The room provides access to reference materials, textbooks, journals, maps, online learning resources, TV, DVD players, computers, printers, and often refreshments. As the central part of our program's community, it hosts academic and cultural events, including film screenings, book signings, poetry readings, and annual festivals, all open to everyone on our campus.
Office of Student Organizations:
- ISA (Iranian Student Association)
- ASA (Afghan Student Association)
Phone: 415-338-3110
Persian Studies Email: persian@sfsu.edu
