Classical Persian Literature

A Graduate-Level Weekly Programme in Classical Persian Poetry & Prose

This graduate-level programme offers a new direction in the study of Classical Persian, structured as a weekly class that blends linguistic rigour with literary depth. Students are invited to engage closely with the Persian literary canon through guided readings and rich discussions of classical poetry and prose.

Each term, learners will encounter a curated selection of texts, ranging from lyrical verse to philosophical prose, explored through a variety of analytical and contextual lenses. This is not a general overview, but a rigorous, text-driven engagement with the literary, linguistic, and intellectual depths of the Persian tradition, rooted in the classical model of scholarly reading.

Programme Format

  • Weekly 75-minute classes (online)

  • 10-week rolling terms, are designed to facilitate remote learning

  • Two texts are generally selected every four weeks (one poetry, one prose)

  • Sessions are typically divided between both texts, with flexibility to slow down or focus more closely depending on the needs of the group

  • Around six texts may be explored per term (3 poetry, 3 prose), though this may vary slightly to ensure meaningful engagement with each work

  • Key texts may be revisited in later terms for continued depth and reflection

Analytical Approach

  • Detailed grammatical and syntactic analysis

  • Rhetorical and stylistic examination

  • Literary interpretation (imagery, metaphor, narrative technique)

  • Historical and cultural contextualisation

  • Thematic exploration and comparative study

  • Poetic metre and prosody (for poetic texts)

  • Discussion of manuscript traditions and textual variants (where relevant)

This programme enables learners to develop graduate-level language skills while immersing themselves in the richness of Persian literary heritage.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Linguistic Proficiency through Literature
    Build fluency and accuracy in reading Classical Persian through close textual analysis.

  2. Critical Literary Engagement
    Develop a deep sensitivity to style, meaning, and symbolism in Persian texts.

  3. Contextual Understanding
    Appreciate the historical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of Persian literature.

  4. Textual Scholarship
    Develop familiarity with manuscript cultures and interpretive traditions in Persian studies.

Prerequisite

This programme is designed as a foundational course for those beginning their journey in Classical Persian. It assumes no prior knowledge of the language and provides structured support to help students build confidence and competence from the ground up. As part of our commitment to collaborative learning, The Classical Institute offers a strong peer-to-peer support culture to help students settle in and thrive.

Teaching Methodology

Following a traditional, text-based approach, the seminar focuses on collective reading and discussion. Students are encouraged to engage with the texts in advance, supporting a more active and reflective learning experience.

Day & Time

Wednesdays, 8:30pm – 9:45pm (BST)
Weekly Online Class | Inaugural Class: 16th July 2025

Registration

Formal registration is required to participate in the programme.
Enrolment now open.

Lecturer

Muhammad Ali Mojaradi (Sharghzadeh)
Founder of Persian Poetics