Level 1 (Novice Persian, SA. 916.710) The Beginning level Persian course is the first in a four-course sequence. In this course you will begin to develop your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Persian. Development of these skills is vital for the process of communication. The skills acquired include conjugating basic high-frequency verbs in the present, past and future tenses; asking questions; using a variety of pronouns; comparing qualities and quantities; expressing possession. Vocabulary is related to the following themes, among others: Daily environment, housing, university, personal life and family, weather and time, Students entering this course are expected to be beginners, and are expected to achieve the Intermediate Low level in the ACTFL scale (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
Level 2 (Intermediate Low Persian, SA. 916.720) This is the second in a four-course sequence in the SAIS Persian Program. Students entering this course are expected to be at the Intermediate Low level in the ACTFL scale (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), and are expected to achieve the Intermediate Mid level. The following grammatical points are covered, among others: indirect discourse, interrogative sentences and direct object pronouns, simple and compound tenses in the past, future and conditional, present participles, and an introduction to the subjunctive The course objectives are seen in terms of students performing linguistics tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, and expanding their risk-taking in real-life communicative situations. The language students practice in class is realistic –what they would speak in a Persian-speaking environment.
Level 3 (Intermediate Mid Persian, SA. 916.000) The Intermediate-High Persian course is third in a four-course sequence. This course provides additional practice to help students attain a higher level of skill development (e.g., listening, speaking, reading and writing) and linguistic accuracy. By the end of the class students are able both to understand and express opinions and to interact verbally in discussions pertaining to current issues with a reasonable degree of grammatical control and appropriate vocabulary The course favors a skill-based approach in which students gain mastery of the language through the use of authentic materials taken from various sources (e.g., periodicals, video and radio documentaries). The selection of the materials is based on the complexity of the tasks and the students' professional and personal interest. The teaching of grammar and vocabulary is integrated to the skill-based activities, and it is incorporated in the class activities as an aid to overcome any communicative problems. The teaching techniques are student-centered, with the instructor as the facilitator, and the goal of teaching to make students independent users of Persian.
Level 4 (Intermediate High Persian, SA. 916.000)
This course will offer an in-depth review of grammar topics in Persian that continue to cause difficulties for the foreign language learner. A program of vocabulary building will be incorporated into the course. It is important to realize, however, that vocabulary and grammar are means to an end; knowing the definition of vocabulary items or being able to recite grammar rules is not using the language. Therefore, the review will be accomplished through a variety of activities in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. In this way, the students will gain an increased understanding of the Persian-speaking world and analyze further in depth social, economic and political issues pertaining to International Affairs. The teaching activities are student-centered, with the instructor serving as facilitator. The goal of this course is to make students independent users of Persian. Students may take the Proficiency Exam after completing Level 4.
Conversational Persian (Post-Proficiency/Advanced Courses 916.000)
In addition to the above courses, we also will provide courses that are beyond the SAIS language requirement in scope. These courses are at a higher level of proficiency or tailored to a specific need or interest.
Additional Resources Persian Online
The Persian Language Program has created a special online site for each course. The sites help students to read, hear, practice and learn whenever they want. Students who have enrolled in Persian class can access the related sites. Movies & Cultural Activities
Since culture and language are related, students of Persian program will be provided with the opportunity to see Persian movies and participate in ceremonies to become more familiar with national and special cultural traditions.
Useful Links
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