A 10-Week Rolling Online Programme taught fortnightly by Dr Colin Turner

Programme Overview

This programme offers a guided introduction to the Persian of Jalal al-Din Rumi’s Mathnawi, one of the most celebrated works of classical Persian literature. Designed for upper-beginner and lower-intermediate students of Persian, the programme aims not simply to study Rumi, but to use the Mathnawi itself as a living gateway into the Persian language.

Rather than approaching the text as an intimidating literary monument to be unpacked line by line, students read together slowly, collaboratively and repeatedly, developing familiarity with the rhythms, vocabulary, imagery and grammatical patterns of Classical Persian through direct engagement with the poetry itself.

Sessions combine guided reading of selected passages from the Mathnawi with vocabulary-building, grammatical reinforcement, close attention to key Persian structures and recurring literary forms, listening and recitation, and discussion of the themes, humour, symbolism and narrative voice of the text.

Particular attention is given to helping students bridge the gap between introductory modern Persian and the more literary Persian of classical poetry. Students gradually become familiar with common poetic vocabulary, literary syntax, idiomatic expressions, rhetorical repetition and the musicality of Persian verse.

The programme assumes no prior experience of Classical Persian literature. Readings are carefully selected and fully supported in class, with emphasis placed on building confidence, enjoyment and sustained exposure rather than exhaustive technical mastery.

Because the Mathnawi is rich in story, dialogue, paradox and vivid imagery, it provides an ideal environment in which to deepen one’s Persian while simultaneously encountering one of the central texts of the Persianate intellectual and spiritual tradition.

Programme Aims

As students progress through the programme, they will:

• Develop greater confidence in reading and understanding selected passages from the Mathnawi in Persian.

• Expand their vocabulary through sustained engagement with Classical Persian poetry.

• Strengthen their understanding of Persian grammar through its application within an authentic literary text.

• Develop familiarity with literary syntax, idiomatic expression and recurring poetic forms.

• Develop greater sensitivity to the rhythms, rhetorical patterns and musicality of Persian verse.

• Engage with the narrative voice, imagery, humour, symbolism and intellectual themes of the Mathnawi.

• Develop the linguistic confidence and reading habits required for increasingly independent engagement with Classical Persian literature.

Engaging with the Programme

The programme is intended for students with an existing foundation in Persian who wish to develop their language through direct engagement with Classical Persian poetry. It is particularly suited to upper-beginner and lower-intermediate learners seeking to make the transition from introductory Persian towards the language and structures encountered in classical literary texts.

No previous study of Classical Persian literature or the Mathnawi is required. Readings are carefully selected and supported in class, allowing students to develop their understanding progressively through repeated reading, vocabulary work, grammatical reinforcement, listening and discussion.

The programme will be of particular relevance to students of Persian language and literature, Persianate studies, Islamic studies and related fields, as well as independent and returning learners wishing to encounter the Mathnawi in its original language.

As the programme develops cumulatively, regular preparation, live attendance and active engagement with the text form an important part of students’ progress.

Recordings and Participation

The Classical Institute does not provide recordings of its taught programmes. Our teaching is designed for live participation, and students are expected to attend classes as they take place.

This reflects the Institute’s commitment to a Socratic approach to learning, in which teaching develops through close engagement with the material, questioning, discussion and intellectual exchange between lecturer and students. Active participation is an integral part of the learning process and allows students to engage directly with both the subject matter and the wider intellectual life of the classroom.

Regular live attendance and participation are therefore expected of all students and form an important part of academic progress. Materials made available through Teleia are provided to support preparation, study and continued engagement between classes; they are not a substitute for attendance.

Programme Fees

The fee is £165.00 for each 10-week period of study. Each period comprises five teaching sessions, with one session held every two weeks.

The programme operates on a rolling basis and does not have a fixed completion date. The curriculum is intentionally structured for sustained study, with the text progressing at a measured and methodical pace to allow close attention to language, meaning and literary expression. Students may continue their studies through successive periods according to their individual progress and academic goals.

Scholarships

Applicants are first considered for admission to the programme. Following a successful application, those wishing to apply for a scholarship are invited to complete a separate scholarship assessment form. Applicants should indicate in the Additional Information Section of the programme application if they wish to be considered for financial support.

The scholarship assessment process comprises a review of the application, followed by an interview. Awards are made on an individual basis, taking into account an applicant’s commitment to learning, academic merit and potential, together with demonstrated financial need.

Please allow up to 14 working days for the scholarship assessment process to be completed. Scholarships are subject to availability and eligibility.

Enrolment and Application

Applications are submitted through Teleia, The Classical Institute’s proprietary Virtual Learning Platform, developed specifically to support the Institute’s educational environment and programme delivery. Applicants will normally receive an admissions update within 14 days of submission.

New to the Application Process?

Please see our How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide for full guidance on submitting an application.

Already on Teleia?

Apply directly to this programme.

Programme Information

Lecturer: Dr Colin Turner
Department: Language & Literature
Level: Upper-Beginner to Lower-Intermediate
Format: 10-Week Rolling Programme
Delivery: Online
Schedule: Fortnightly on Thursdays
Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm (UK time)
Current Text: Jalal al-Din Rumi’s Mathnawi
Commenced: 2 July 2026