Iranian Studies
This program has been made possible with the generous financial contribution of various individuals and companies; for a listing and to become a financial donor, please click here.
BACKGROUND
In 2010, Farhang Foundation and the University of Southern California (USC) Dana and David Dornsife Col
lege of Letters, Arts and Sciences officially announced the launch an Iranian Studies Initiative at the university. (Press Release)
The following June, USC named Dr. Peyman Nojoumian (Press Release) the Assistant Professor of the teaching of Persian. By Fall 2011, Persian language classes appeared on the curriculum for the first time at USC. With the establishment of the first phase of the Iranian Studies Initiative, Farhang Foundation is now focused on the second phase: establishing a Minor degree with a focus on Iranian Studies, while ensuring Persian classes continue to be offered at USC.
The Iranian Studies Initiative at USC is comprised of two phases;
- the first of which added Persian language courses to the curriculum at USC in Fall 2011.
- The second phase is currently in progress and aims to bring a program allowing students to receive a minor specializing in Iranian Studies to the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS INITIATIVE
Undoubtedly, the world is becoming more interconnected through politics and technology. Therefore it is now critical that premier academic institutions – such as USC – lead the way in the teaching and researching of other languages and cultures. Furthermore, this Iranian Studies Initiative is the first of its kind at USC, one of the world’s leading private research universities, located in Los Angeles, home to the largest population of Iranians outside of Iran. As the Iranian community in this region grows, it becomes that much more critical to offer educational opportunities in the areas of Persian language and Iranian Studies, which will primarily serve two distinct but equally important purposes:
- To preserve the language, culture, and history of Iran for younger generations of Iranian-Americans
- To introduce the language, culture, and history of Iran to all others, including non-Iranians, who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Iran.
The first phase of Farhang Foundation’s Iranian Studies Initiative officially launched. Persian language courses appeared on USC’s curriculum as of the Fall 2011 semester.
February 2011
Farhang Foundation hosted a celebratory event at USC, kicking-off the first phase of the Iranian Studies Initiative.
June 2011
USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences named Dr. Peyman Nojoumian the Assistant Professor of the teaching of Persian.
Fall 2011 and Beyond
For the first time in school history, Persian language courses were offered as part of USC’s curriculum.
Spring 2012
Due to high demand among students, Elementary Persian was offered again in the Spring semester.
Today
Farhang Foundation continues to work hard to raise funds in support of our Iranian Studies Initiative in an effort to successfully launch its second phase, which aims to establish a Minor degree with a focus on Iranian Studies. But we cannot do it alone. Help us raise funds and friends for this important program.
- Become a financial donor to the Iranian Studies Initiative at USC
- Volunteer your time and help us spread the word
- Know a current or former USC Trojan? Refer them to Farhang Foundation for the latest news on this exciting program
To learn more about Farhang Foundation’s Iranian Studies Initiative and to find out how you can contribute to this program, please email us at info@farhang.org or call us at 310.666.1546.
CLICK HERE to download the information package.
IN THE NEWS
Check out the following links, featuring info and news on Farhang Foundation’s Iranian Studies Initiative at USC:
- KICKOFF Event at USC - February 8, 2011
- USC News – November 3, 2010
- Daily Trojan – November 10, 2010
- PAAIA - November 16, 2010
- VOA Farsi - November 26, 2010
- Beverly Hills Courier – December 3, 2010
- Daily Trojan – February 10, 2011
- Southern California Public Radio – February 10, 2011
- PAAIA - October 18, 2011
TESTIMONIALS
“Today I was a fortunate witness to a small event that I trust will have broad implications. My university, the University of Southern California, signed an agreement with the Farhang Foundation to begin to do the best thing one can do to remind us all of what Persian culture truly embodies.” Bruce Zuckerman, Professor of Religion at USC
"In the past few years we have seen a tremendous demand by our students for Persian language and Iranian culture programs. Through this very generous gift from Farhang Foundation, we will be able to quickly respond to this demand and begin right away to build a vibrant and rigorous academic program in Iranian Studies. I look forward to partnering with Farhang Foundation as we make this program one of the premier programs in the country." Howard Gillman, Dean of the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at USC
“The significance and necessity of an Iranian Studies Initiative at USC cannot be overstated… This effort - in partnership with USC - is both a historical duty for Farhang Foundation and at the very core of its mission.” Ali C. Razi, Chairman of Farhang Foundation
“It is my honor and privilege as an Iranian-American to be a part of Farhang Foundation and this effort in support of an Iranian Studies Initiative. This program will offer students from all walks of life the opportunity to explore and study thousands of years of Iranian culture and language.” Dr. Cyrus Adami, Iranian Studies Council at Farhang Foundation
© 2013 Created by Farhang Foundation.
