PERSIAN

Note: The Department reserves the right to place students in the NMC language course   appropriate to their level of linguistic skill.

NML260Y1 Introductory Persian (formerly NMC240Y)

A member of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European linguistic family, Persian (Farsi) is today the official language of Iran and Tajikistan, and one of the two official languages of Afghanistan (where it is called Dari). The approach in this course is practical, and its goal is the rapid mastery of the fundamentals of grammar and the attainment of fluency in reading, writing and speaking modern Persian at the elementary level. Instruction in the second term includes the use of language tapes and oral practice sessions. The course also serves as a basis for the classical Persian language.
Evaluation: A combination of exercises, tests and a Faculty Final examination
Texts: To be determined
Exclusion: Not open to students with knowledge, however passive, of Farsi/NMC240Y/NMC242Y
A. Taleghani

NML360Y1 Intermediate Persian (formerly NMC340Y)

This course involves reading, grammatical analysis, and translation of representative samples of contemporary Persian prose of intermediate difficulty. The reading materials are selected from a wide range of sources in order to ensure balanced, yet comprehensive exposure to the different usage of the language. The course serves as preparation for courses on both classical and contemporary Persian literature.
Evaluation: A combination of exercises and tests
Texts: TBA
Prerequisite: NMC240Y/NML260Y
Exclusion: NMC242Y/NMC340Y. Not open to native users of Farsi
A. Taleghani

NML460Y1 Classical Persian Literature (formerly NMC441Y)

Survey of Persian literature, chiefly poetry, from the 10th to the 15th centuries, based on selected readings from representative authors, including Rudaki, Nizami, Sa‘di, Rumi, and Hafiz, as well as from the Persian national epic, Shah-nameh. Introduction to the Persian prosodial system, and analysis of the rhetorical devices and imagery employed by the classical poets.
Evaluation: Two term tests (25% each), two term assignments (20% each), and class participation (10%)
Texts: Wheeler M. Thackston, A Millennium of Classical Persian Poetry; Wheeler M. Thackston, A Millennium of Persian Prose; E. Yarshater, ed., Persian Literature; Annemarie Schimmel, A Two-Colored Brocade. Additional photocopied materials provided by the instructor.
Prerequisite: NMC340Y/NML360Y or adequate knowledge of Persian
Exclusion: NMC441Y
M. Subtelny

NML461H1 Modern Persian Poetry

A survey of modern Persian poetry using connected passages of Persian texts.
Evaluation: A combination of exercises, tests, and essays.
Texts: TBA
Prerequisite: NML360Y or adequate reading knowledge of Farsi.
A. Taleghani

NML462H1 Modern Persian Prose

NML463H1 Historical Development of Persian Language (formerly NML361H1)

Development of Old Persian (551 BC) to Middle Persian (331 BC) to Modern Persian (7th century) with emphasis on word formation and grammar. Discussion is based on texts written by historians, linguists and grammarians who see language as a system which is changed by internal and external factors like politics, religion, immigration, business, etc. In English. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: A combination of exercises, tests, and essays.
Texts: TBA
Prerequisite: NML360Y or adequate reading knowledge of Farsi.
Exclusion: NML361H1
A. Taleghani

University of Toronto