Echoes of Persia - A Journey Through Persian Poetry

From the mystical quatrains of Omar Khayyam to the intimate modern poems of Forough Farrokhzad, this course offers an accessible introduction to Persian poetry’s most beloved voices. Each session explores the life, context, and major works of a poet (or poets), including guided readings in English translation. Students will learn about key poetic forms such as the ghazal and rubaiyat, and gain insight into how Persian literature reflects cultural, spiritual, and philosophical ideas across time. No prior knowledge required—just a love of words and curiosity about Persian culture.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• The Essential Rumi (HarperOne: 2004), ISBN: 9780062509581
• The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (Penguin Classics: 1989), ISBN: 9780140443844
• The Penguin Book of Persian Poetry (Penguin Classics: 2023), ISBN: 9780241394108
• A Feast in the Mirror: Stories by Contemporary Iranian Women (Mage Publishers: 2000), ISBN: 9780934211615

COURSE OUTLINE

• Omar Khayyam – The Philosopher of the Rubaiyat: Explore Khayyam’s quatrains (rubaiyat), focusing on themes of time, fate, wine, and skepticism. Learn about his mathematical background and how he used poetry to express philosophical doubt and sensual joy.
• Rumi – Love, Mysticism, and the Whirling Soul: Dive into the Sufi mysticism of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Discuss the concept of divine love, the beloved, and spiritual longing. Engage with selections from the Masnavi and ghazals from the Divan-e Shams.
• Hafiz and Sa’di – Beauty, Ethics, and the Garden of Verse: Explore the lyrical ghazals of Hafiz—love, intoxication, and ambiguity. Pair with Sa’di’s humanism and moral storytelling from the Gulistan and Bustan. Discuss how both poets shaped Persian literary identity.
• Modern Voices – Nima, Sohrab, and Forough: Enter the modern era with the poetic revolution of Nima Yushij. Read the spiritual-naturalism of Sohrab Sepehri and the intimate, feminist voice of Forough Farrokhzad. Conclude with reflection on continuity and change in Persian poetry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify major themes and forms in Persian poetry across classical and modern periods
2. Understand the historical and cultural contexts of major Persian poets
3. Interpret key poetic images, metaphors, and mystical concepts
4. Appreciate the role of Persian poetry in Iranian identity and global literature