Persian and English Literature, MA (Hons)

Course summary

Persian is one of the major languages of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its modern form has three variants which, collectively, are the first language of over 120 million people. It is the national language of Iran, where it is known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. To study Persian is to enter a rich and diverse culture that has produced:

• major epic and Sufi poets

• world-class cinema

• exquisite miniature painting and fine textiles

The language is also a gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.Combining language learning with literary training Our joint honours programme is designed to give you a comprehensive grounding in Persian, enabling you to access a wide range of original material.As well as developing your language skills, you will also study Iran's historical, literary, cultural and political life, and the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. Studying English Literature will further develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills. You will engage with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading. You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, specialising at honours level in specific topics, periods or genres. Why EdinburghEdinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a global literary city which many greats of literature have called home.From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional. The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, together with Arabic, Islam, and the Middle East. We are also the oldest centre for the study of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world. Studying over four years gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence valued by employers around the globe. In particular, this joint honours combination shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers.

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