- Online
- $460
This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Persian. It introduces the Persian sound and writing systems, including the first half of the alphabet and pronunciation patterns. You will learn useful vocabulary and essential expressions used for everyday communication. Through guided practice and short dialogues, students develop foundational listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while becoming familiar with basic grammar and key cultural context.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- recognize and pronounce Persian sounds
- identify and write the first half of the Persian alphabet
- read and write simple words and short sentences
- understand and use common everyday expressions in basic interactions
Course outline
Exact course outlines are determined by the instructor to best meet the needs of the class. This outline is an example only.
- Greetings and introductions
- Salaam, how are you?, I am...
- Common greetings and expressions
- Persian alphabet and writing system
- 32 letters of the Persian alphabet; discussion of shape and form
- Isolated, initial, medial and final forms
- Identifying, reading and writing simple words
- Asking and answering basic questions
- What / who / whose / where / how
- Practice forming and answering questions
- Numbers and time
- Asking for and giving phone numbers
- Asking and telling time
- Discussing the time of day
- Daily routines
- Common verbs
- Daily activities
Expected effort
You can expect to spend about three hours per week attending live, virtual classes and completing course work on your own time.
Textbook
This course does not require the purchase of a textbook. Course materials are provided by the instructor.
Course format
This course is offered online.
Our online conversational courses offer a virtual classroom experience where you can see and interact with your teacher and classmates over Zoom. Log in at a set time to participate in individual, pair and group work, ask questions and receive feedback from your instructor.
Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.
Learn more about online learning at UBC Extended Learning.
How am I assessed?
This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive verbal feedback on your conversation and grammar skills from your instructor during class. Written homework is typically corrected in class. Some lesson modules may include quizzes.
Record of completion
Students who have successfully completed a course can access completion documents two weeks after the course ends. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments.
Technology requirements
For all languages classes, you’ll need access to the internet, a personal email account and an up-to-date web browser.
For online classes, you will also need a video camera and a microphone on your device.
The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.