MES4230 – Topics in Persian Studies I
Course content
Topic spring 2023: Problems in Poetic Translation: Theory, Practice, Craft
This course focuses on central topics in Persian language and society. The topics are related to past or ongoing research in the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages, such as; Persian literature; intellectual history; political Islam; and the language and content of Iranian media.
Examples of courses that have been given in MES4230:
Learning outcome
- The course is based on reading, analysis, and discussion of selected texts in Persian and secondary literature in English.
- Training in methodology, team work, essay writing, and oral presentation is an integral part of the course.
- Participants will learn to read both primary and secondary texts extensively, and to use the texts in academic analysis.
- They will learn to discuss, produce, and present academic knowledge in oral and written forms.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies
- 80 ECTS credits within Persian at BA-level or near-native fluency in spoken and written Persian, and can document this with transcripts from national secondary school.
Teaching
The course is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars organised as 10 classes of 2 hrs each throughout the semester. The course presupposes active participation.
Compulsory activities
At least one presentation on an assigned reading (the number of presentations per student will be determined by enrollment)
A one- to two-page project proposal to be submitted on Canvas
- Presentation of the research project at the end of the semester
NB! In the event that the course is offered as guided tutoring, 1-2 page critical summaries of the readings must be sent to the instructor before each scheduled meeting.
Approved compulsory activities are only valid for the current semester.
Valid absence
If you have valid absence from the compulsory activity, you must submit an application and hand in documentation.
This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activity.
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The exam in MES4230 is a term paper. Students will translate a poetic text of their own choosing ("poetic" can be defined any number of ways) either from or into Persian and any other language. In addition to the translation itself, students will write a critical introduction to their work in English.
The term paper should be between 8-10 pages, not counting front page and references.
Compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.