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359f85096e8ae9f0514b21a1c9bf8380The Persian Studies (also known as Farsi) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies. The program offers an academic resource for studying and appreciating Persian language and culture.  Through studying the Persian language, students become familiar with its literature, history, geography, arts, and develop an understanding of its culture.

Students can study beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses in Persian language, as well as courses in Iranian culture and literature. Students may minor in Persian, study Persian as their required Asian language for the interdisciplinary major in Asian Studies, or use Persian language courses to fulfill their foreign language requirement.

There are numerous reasons to study Persian: for one thing, Persian is an important language of the Middle East and Central Asia, spoken by approximately 70 million native speakers and roughly 110 million people worldwide.  It is the official language of Iran.  It also includes Persian Dari spoken in Afghanistan, and Tajik in Tajikistan. Studying Persian will also introduce you to the rich and diverse culture that produced major epic poets such as Ferdowsi, Sufi poets such as Rumi and Hafez, magnificent miniature paintings, fine carpets, and much more.

Students may also join the Persian Cultural Society which supports the understanding of Persian culture through sponsoring social and cultural events.

For details on how you can support this program, download the program brochure in English or Persian. Persian Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an educational program and has no affiliation with any political or religious organization.

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