Iranian Studies (B.A.) (2 subjects)

Features

The subject Iranian Studies deals with the history, languages, culture and religions of the Iranian-speaking region. In addition to Iran, this also includes parts of present-day Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan as far as India in the east and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Iraq and Syria in the west. The study of social, religious and cultural issues such as ideas of religion and history, gender roles, Iranian literature and media or religious and ethnic minorities are part of the BA programme alongside the acquisition of the Persian language.

Programme:: Iranian Studies
Degree:: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (2 subjects)
Standard period of study:: 6 semesters
Start:: Only the winter semester
Language of the programme:: German
Admission:: open (enrolment without previous application)
Orientation events:: Orientation events are offered

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Object/content/goals

Students acquire a very good active and passive knowledge of the Persian language. Kurdish is offered as a second Iranian language. Students acquire an overview of Iranian cultural history from pre-Islamic times to the present as well as the religions of Iranian-speaking peoples. Information on regional studies forms a further focus. In addition, the programme conveys the basics of analysing Iranian literature as well as knowledge of Iranian literary and media history. In addition to learning scientific terms, students gain insight into scientific work as well as the theories and methods important for the subject. Through individually selected in-depth modules and internships, students can already prepare for a career or specialise in the MA programme.

Research foci in Göttingen

Research in Göttingen is focused on Indo-Persian culture, manuscripts and documents as well as heterodox religious movements. Further research interests include the occult sciences, especially astrology. Literature, media and communication as well as aspects of identity-building processes in Iranian societies are also among the main fields of research represented in Göttingen.

Language requirements

Good reading skills in English are recommended. Depending on the student’s main focus of interest and combination of subjects, it is advisable to learn an additional language of the region, such as Arabic, Turkish, Hindi, Sanskrit, Hebrew, etc.

Combinations of subjects

The BA subject of Iranian Studies must be combined with a second subject. There is no regulation stipulating any specific combination of subjects. However, a combination with subjects relating to neighbouring regions and cultures is recommended, such as Arabic Studies/Islamic Studies, Turkish Studies, Ancient Oriental Studies, Egyptology, but also subjects such as political science, comparative religion, ethnology, sociology, general linguistics, economics or law.

Occupational fields

Depending on the orientation and combination of studies and relevant internships, occupations are possible in the areas of journalism, the publishing industry, development cooperation, diplomacy or business administration, and in cultural or intercultural fields, for example as a translator.

Related and consecutive/graduate programmes

Related programmes

Consecutive/graduate programmes

Iranian Studies (M.A.)

Features

Structure

The most important language in Iranian Studies is New Persian, which is taught in a language course over 4 semesters. Much emphasis is placed on language practice. In addition to Persian, other Iranian languages such as Kurdish can also be learned.

In a 2-semester lecture, students receive an overview of the most important historical epochs of Iran and neighbouring regions. The various religions that have emerged or played a role in Iran are also the subject of this lecture.

The seminar on regional studies deals with contemporary aspects of Iran and Afghanistan. It deals with natural conditions as well as economy, society, political system, etc.

Every semester, modules are offered on different topics that are suitable for advanced BA students. These deal with very different topics such as literature, society, media, history, etc.. Here you can also deepen your language skills and take courses on Persian technical language or Persian didactics.

Issues of academic work - literature research, citation methods, important aids, plagiarism, presentation techniques, etc. - are practised in an exercise accompanying a lecture.

We like to travel with our students to the countries and regions we cover in class. Therefore, we always offer excursions, not only to Iran, but also to India, Uzbekistan, Georgia, etc. Short excursions within Iran are also possible. Short excursions within Germany and Europe are also on the programme.

In our two subject Bachelor's degree programme, you study both subjects under the umbrella of one degree. You can select any subject with the degree B.A. (two subjects). Your second subject may also belong to another field of study or faculty.

Amount: 66 Credits

The selected modules of this optional area determine your study profile. You can choose additional subject-specific modules, modules related to vocational fields or modules from the key competencies area.

Amount: 18 Credits

You can fill this section from a range of admissible modules. The University of Göttingen offers a wide range of qualification courses developing skills in various areas of competence.

Amount: 18 Credits

The bachelor thesis is a scientific paper of about 40 pages. It refers to one of the sub subjects – linguistics, literary studies or regional and cultural studies – and can be written in German or Spanish.

Amount: 12 Credits

Typical study plan

Semester 1

Introduction to New Persian I (9 C)
Introduction to Iranian Cultural History, Part 1

Semester 2

Introduction to New Persian II (9 C)
Introduction to Iranian Cultural History, Part 2 (12 C)

Semester 3

Advanced Course in Persian I (9 C)
Regional Studies Iran and Persian-speaking Regions (6 C)

Semester 4

Advanced Course in Persian II (9 C)
Compulsory elective module, e.g. excursion (6 C)

Semester 5

Compulsory elective module, e.g. Modern Iranian Culture, Media and Society (6 C)

Semester 6

B.A. thesis

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Application

Admission

Start:: Winter semester only

1st subject semester:: open admission (enrolment without previous application)
2nd to 6th subject semester:: open admission (enrolment without previous application)