Overview
Join “Joy of Persian” on a captivating journey through Saadi’s timeless masterpiece, the Gulestan. Through this 4-week online workshop, you’ll delve into the heart of classical Persian poetry, refining your language skills and gaining deeper cultural insights.
Transform Language Learning:
Traditional courses, even online, can feel isolated and passive. You learn, you memorize, but true fluency requires connection and practice. Our workshops flip the script!
- Learn key concepts independently: Access our high-quality online courses to master the fundamentals at your own pace.
- Practice and apply: Join live, interactive Zoom/Skype sessions to put your learning into action. Ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive personalized feedback from our experienced teachers.
This flipped classroom approach maximizes your learning potential. These live sessions follow a set schedule and duration, focusing on specific topics or general conversation practice.
Instructor
Leila Seyedghasem, PhD.
Leila brings a deep passion for Persian culture and language to her role as Course Developer & Instructor. With a PhD from The University of Tehran and 9 years of teaching experience at italki, she is an expert in crafting engaging and effective learning experiences.
Driven by a belief in Persian’s rich literary heritage and global beauty, Leila authored textbooks now used in teaching centers worldwide. Her research background in linguistics further cements her expertise. She finds immense joy in fostering connections through language, welcoming you to embark on a captivating journey into the world of Persian.
Delve into the rich world of classical Persian poetry with this comprehensive course! Under the guidance of Dr. Leila Seyedghasem, you’ll unlock the meaning and nuances of Gulestan’s verses through interactive discussions, thought-provoking questions, and connections with fellow learners from around the globe. By the end, you’ll have gained a deep understanding of reading, interpreting, and analyzing this captivating genre.
Testimonials
Mikuru
She is a very good teacher! I learned basic Persian in college, but I continue to study Iranian literature with her. She teaches with full-fledged literary knowledge, from classical poetry such as Saadi and Rumi to contemporary novels.
Emka
Leila is amazing. Reading with her, I finally feel like I am getting to a place of more deeply understanding and engaging with classical Persian literature, after years of studying the language elsewhere. She always takes the time to work through anything I don’t understand, and explains the larger context behind our readings. I can’t recommend her enough.
Emka
Today we read one of the ghazals of Sadi and Leila did an amazing job explaining the deeper Sufi significance of the poem, which on my own I was definitely struggling to understand!
Workshop Details:
- Target Audience: This near-advanced workshop is ideal for individuals with a solid foundation in Persian (intermediate reading comprehension required). Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, researcher, professor, or simply passionate about the language, this program offers valuable learning opportunities for all.
- Dates: Fridays, November 1 – December 20, 2024 (8 sessions total).
- A break for Thanksgiving weekend (November 29, 2024) may be considered based on the majority of applicants’ requests.
- Time: 8:30 PM Istanbul Time (flexible based on applicant locations).
- Duration: 16 hours of intensive Persian literature teaching (2 hours per session).
- Structure:
- Introduction
- “Gulestan” reading and analysis
- Interactive discussions and Q&A
- Platform: All live sessions will be conducted on Zoom, ensuring a seamless and interactive learning experience.
Syllabus
Gift
Registered participants in this workshop will receive complimentary access to the following online course two weeks prior to the workshop start date.
Placement: Crafting a personalized learning experience
To ensure the workshop provides the best possible learning experience for everyone, we conduct a brief assessment to place you in the right group for your current skill level. This personalized approach allows you to:
- Maximize your learning: You’ll be surrounded by peers at your level, enabling deeper discussions and more focused practice.
- Progress with confidence: Tailored learning ensures you grasp key concepts before moving on, boosting your confidence and motivation.
- Connect with passion: Sharing your journey with like-minded individuals fosters a supportive community and keeps you excited about learning.
Here’s how the assessment works:
- Apply online: Simply fill out the application form on our website.
- Complete a personalized quiz: The instructor will send you a short quiz to gauge your current comprehension.
- Optional video conversation: This brief chat allows the instructor to understand your individual needs and learning goals better.
Based on these assessments, you’ll be placed in the most suitable group for your skill level. We may even create two separate groups to best cater to specific needs.
Once your evaluations are complete:
If you’re a good fit for the workshop, you’ll receive an acceptance email with instructions for finalizing your registration by paying the course fee.
What if I don’t qualify for this workshop?
No worries! We offer other options to start your Persian language journey:
- “Let’s Learn Persian! (A1)” workshop: Perfect for beginners with zero prior knowledge.
- “Let’s Learn Persian! (A2)” workshop: Perfect for pre-intermeditaes with some prior knowledge.
- 1-on-1 tutoring classes: Personalized learning experience at your own pace.
