Iranian Studies (minor)

This minor is an interdisciplinary degree focusing on the peoples and cultures of Iran. Its courses offer students interested in exploring the richness and complexity of Iran a framework for developing both expertise and wide-ranging critical perspectives on its past, present, and future. The cross-section of courses and rigorous training in the Persian language allows students to develop a wide-ranging perspective on the country or a narrower focus on a particular historical period or theme.

Five courses (20 units) are required for the minor. All students must take MDES 201 or MDES 213 as well as MDES 313. One course from the list of Iranian Studies Concentration courses and one Elective course is required in addition to demonstrating fourth-semester proficiency in the Persian language. This can be achieved through placement, transfer credits (subject to approval), from study abroad, or through successfully completing the level IV Persian (IRAN 250) course at USC. Students who place out of the requirement to take IRAN 250 must take an additional elective course.

-Foundational knowledge of the history of the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region from classical to modern times.

-Training in several different disciplinary approaches to the region, and to Iranian culture, society, and politics in particular.

-Critical thinking skills to enable the student to place recent and current regional events related to Iran in historical context.

-Ability to question and problematize popular accounts of Iran’s past and present.

-Exposure to key elements of Iranian society and culture, and their relationship to surrounding societies and cultures.

-4th-semester proficiency in Persian or beyond.

For those with prior study of Persian, a placement exam is offered by the USC Language Center to determine language level. If student proficiency surpasses the third-semester college level, Dr. Peyman Nojoumian should be consulted about a higher-level proficiency exam.

A special accommodation is in place for majors in the Department of Political Science and International Relations who minor in Iranian Studies. Courses that are cross-listed between MDES and IR can satisfy the four unique courses (at least 16 units) that must be completed outside of their major department for this interdisciplinary minor. Students will still be required, however, to complete at least four courses (16 units) that are unique to the minor (not required to meet major course requirements). A minimum of 20 units is required.

To speak to a college advisor about your interests, contact Isaura Pena (isaurape@usc.edu)