Persian and Social Anthropology, 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, indigenously known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. To study Persian is to enter into a rich and diverse culture that has produced:

• major epic and Sufi poets

• world-class cinema

• exquisite miniature painting and fine textiles

Our programme is also your gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Combining Persian with Social Anthropology enables you to learn the Persian language while engaging in the comparative study of human behaviour and ideas in a range of contexts:

• social

• cultural

• religious

• political

You can start the language as a complete beginner, and develop advanced skills over your four years, including in translation. This will enable you to access original material and to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues.In addition to language learning, you will have the opportunity to learn from researchers who are international leaders in their field.You will study aspects of the Islamic world and the Middle East, and take a range of courses in anthropology. The discipline overlaps with sociology, human geography, and development studies, and is also closely linked to history and philosophy. You will learn what anthropology contributes to some of the most important issues facing us today and build up the theoretical tools and practical techniques to engage in your own original anthropological research.Your dissertation will enable you to draw on skills from both sides of your programme, and a range of excellent resources in the University of Edinburgh collections.

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