Advanced study of specific poetic periods, figures, and/or topics involving extensive reading and discussion of appropriate primary and secondary materials.  Prereq: 9 cr hrs of Persian at the 5000 level or above. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs or 5 completions.

Through close reading of a number of primary texts and consultation of major secondary sources, students will become acquainted with a range of poets, discourses, and critical questions, as well as with the historical and cultural context that gave rise to them. In addition, they are expected to advance significantly in their ability to deal competently with complex Persian cultural issues and to gain greater familiarity with the various sources where aid in dealing with these issues may be sought.