Date: Jul 24, 2007

HOFSTRA EXPANDS STUDIES IN PERSIAN LANGUAGE

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … For the 2007-2008 school year, Hofstra University will continue to expand its offerings in Persian language and literature, based on a very enthusiastic response to classes offered in previous academic years.  No other school on Long Island currently offers Persian language and literature studies.

When Persian was first offered at Hofstra, only one class, "Introductory Persian," was available. That was so popular among students that "Introductory Persian 2" was added, along with a tutorial in Persian literature. It is now anticipated that more students will want to continue with more advanced Persian language classes and additional sessions may be added.

The reason for the program's popularity, according to the program faculty, is that Long Island and Queens both have significant populations of Iranian immigrants who came to America in the 1970s and 1980s. Their children are now of college age and are interested in learning more about their parents' culture and language. Also, the current crisis in the Middle East demands more people with expertise in the languages, cultures and politics of the area.

Adjunct Instructor of Persian Haideh Sahim, who is directing the Persian language and literature offerings, has previously taught at the New York University and at Tehran University, among other institutions of higher education. She was educated at Tehran University, where she received a Masters in Iranian Linguistics and Ancient Iranian Culture, and New York University where she received an M. Phil in Iranian History.  She is the author of a number of articles on Iranian dialects and Iranian history.
 
For more information on Hofstra’s Persian language offerings call (516) 463-5434.