Fall 2008

PRS 506 • FIRST-YEAR PERSIAN I

Course Description

This is a language competency-based course designed for beginning students of Persian. Students are introduced to basic patterns of Persian in simple sentences. While emphasis in this course is on conversation skills, students also learn the Persian alphabet and develop reading skills. Daily homework assignments are corrected and discussed with students on a regular basis. Reading materials from both the assigned texts are used to improve students' reading comprehension and to build vocabulary. Audio tapes of all dialogues and reading materials are made available through the Language Laboratory. Students also watch a feature film one hour per week. The film is repeated several times within the course of the semester (usually two to three films are shown over the entire semester) on the basis of which students are provided with exercises to improve all skills and increase their vocabulary retention. In addition, computer-assisted instructional material for Persian is used as an auxiliary tool in the acquisition of various language skills. Students are also encouraged to attend a weekly scheduled coffee hour to practice conversation with native speakers and other students.

Grading Policy

Weekly quizzes, daily assignments, class participation, four exams. Exams and quizzes, 60%; daily assignments, 20%; class participation, 20%

Texts

M. R. Ghanoonparvar and F. Givehchian, Persian for Beginners; photocopied materials; materials on computer disks, and on the website pesianintexas.org

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