A Highlight on Persian and Iranian Studies at Georgia Tech

Posted July 9, 2020

Overview

The School of Modern Languages at Georgia Tech has several new courses focusing on Iranian media, culture and society. Students can take these courses offered in Persian and Iranian studies to count towards their MENAS minor. Modern Languages has also designed a number of graduate courses students can take to get a PhD minor focusing on Technology, Media and Culture of Iran.   

New Initiatives 

In 2019, Ayda Melika, visiting assistant professor of Arabic, started the Iranian Studies Initiative at Georgia Institute of Technology. Several groups have formed under the Iranian Studies umbrella such as the Persian-American Resource Society (PARS), Performing Arts and Innovative Drama Association (PAIDA), Resource Organization for Sexuality, Health and Development (ROSHD). Each semester, the groups design and execute several activities, events and workshops on campus that is open both to our own Georgia Tech community as well as members of larger Atlanta.  

A Focus on Film  

For the first time, this past year, Global Media Fest: Sustainability in Mental Health in collaboration with Georgia Tech's Iranian Studies Initiative, included two Middle East focused programs.  

Taste of Cement directed by Ziad Kalthoum and Soheila No. 17 directed by Mahmoud Ghaffari were screened in February 2020 at the Georgia Tech Student Center Theater. Each film was followed by a post-screening Q&A with the directors and roundtable discussion with other distinguished guest speakers. Food and refreshments were served and guest had a chance to engage in conversations with the speakers and the community.  

Upcoming Events 

Look out for upcoming fall events including poetry nights, ongoing film screenings, and a lecture series. More information will be posted as the events are scheduled.