Language Study

Fluency in a foreign language allows us to understand a culture on its own terms., which is why we encourage students to take at least two semesters, and possibly more, of a language spoken in the Middle East, North Africa and countries of significant Muslim populations. Currently, San Francisco State University offers four semesters of Hebrew and Persian, in addition to a variety of conversation classes. Unfortunately our Arabic language classes were discontinued in Fall 2024 due to the university's budget shortfall.  Please speak to an MEIS advisor about the best ways to integrate language studies into the rest of your planned course of studies at SF State.  Also know that you may apply to summer classes — and some fellowships — both in the United States and abroad.

Arabic

Course offerings in the Arabic have been cancelled until further notice, due to budgetary constraints. MEIS faculty was not asked for input in this decision.  Please reach out to Prof. Volk at lvolk@sfsu.edu for available Summer Arabic Program opportunities at different schools.  

Quran text in Arabic

Hebrew

Students at SF State enjoy numerous courses associated with the Jewish Studies Program. Many courses that qualify for the Jewish Studies major also fall within the MEIS minor.

Courses offered include:

  • JS 151: First Semester Modern Hebrew
  • JS 152: Second Semester Modern Hebrew
  • JS 201: Third Semester Modern Hebrew
  • JS 202: Fourth Semester Modern Hebrew

For a complete list of courses offered, please visit the Department of Jewish Studies website. Please check back for updates.

Jewish star and old testament papers rolled up

Persian

Students who minor in MEIS may choose to count towards their degree courses taught as part of the Persian Studies Program at SF State. Persian Studies is an academic resource for studying and appreciating Persian cultural heritage via courses in language, history, and culture.  For a full description of this program, which offers a separate minor, please go to the Persian Program website.

  • PRSN 101-104: Persian Language
  • PRSN 206: Basic Persian Conversation
  • PRSN 250: Intermediate Persian
  • PRSN 260: History and Cultures of Iran (also IR 260)
  • PRSN 290: Persian Literature in English Translation
  • PRSN 320: Iranian Cinema (also CINE 320)
  • PRSN 350: Advanced Persian
  • PRSN 411: Iranian Media in English (also IR 415)
  • PRSN 503: Religions in Iran (also PHIL/RELS 503)
Statue of Ferdowsi