Nastaran Kherad

PRS 322L is an intermediate Persian language course which continues to focus on increasing proficiency in the four basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in Persian, as well as developing increased skills and cultural literacy. Students should expect extensive reading as well as practice in self-expression through writing, both of which require approximately three hours of outside preparation for each class. Our teaching philosophy is based on the communicative approach that consists of student-centered, performance-based, and context-oriented language teaching. Therefore, participation is an integral part of the class. You must speak Persian in the class at all times unless given explicit permission by the instructor to use English. Not open to native speakers or heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Speak at length about familiar topics in Modern Persian,

2. Understand complex texts on familiar topics, especially those from news media and on-line sources,

3. Understand authentic materials by identifying the main ideas and focusing on the information within reach,

4. Listen to short news excerpts and comprehend the main points,

5. Writing essays and critically engage topics related to the class,

6. Pronounce Persian words with accuracy,

7. A broader understanding of how to engage in the historical and cultural

contexts in which Persian is used, and

8. Expanded your languge capabilities and skills for life-long learning.

Course Materials

To be provided by instructor.

Course Requirements and Grading

Attendance & Participation 15%

Weeklywritingassignments 30%

Assigment Corrections 10%

Periodical Quizes (3x) 15%

Presentations (2x) 10%

Final Exam Project 15%

Oral Profeciency Test 5%

May vary by instructor each semester.

Course Description

PRS 611C or Intensive Persian II is an elementary-level course that is designed to help you continue to expand upon what you have learned during its prerequisite PRS 601c Intensive Persian I course. This course also, following the example set by its prerequisite, puts emphasis on speaking and using the language for communication. Therefore, as it can be expected, using any other language than Persian in the classroom will be very restricted. The four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as pronunciation and vocabulary are incorporated into the course. Learning a language requires daily practice. For each hour the student spends in the classroom a minimum of two hours review is required outside the class. Students should have fulfilled the prerequisite PRS 601c Intensive Persian I with a letter grade of at least C to be able to take this course. Not open to native speakers or heritage learners of Persian.

By the end of this course you will:

1. Read and understand simple authentic passages on familiar topics.

2. Initiate social interactions, ask for information, and show awareness of cultural aspects of social interaction in Persian.

3. Be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family background, travel plans, dining at a restaurant, etc., with native speakers of Persian;

4. Comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

5. Be able to compose simple essays about yourself and your family and write them informal notes, and letters/emails

6. Know the difference between written and spoken Persian, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions.

Course Materials

Course packet; supplemental materials provided via Blackboard

Course Requirements and Grade

Attendance and Participation 15%

Homework and Homework Correction 30%

Quizzes 25%

Presentations/Skits 12%

Culture Portfolio 3%

Final Exam 15%

May vary with instructor each semester.