This course constitutes an integrated study of the culture, history, and geography of the old Persian Empire from their beginnings in the first millennium BCE to the formation of the modern nation-states of Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan in the 16th century. Readings, lectures, discussions, and audio and visual materials encompass this civilization's representative artistic and intellectual accomplishments, its present-day political institutions, economy, and popular culture. In addition, the course focuses on the values and attitudes, the customs and traditions, and the social structures of the people of Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan. At the same time, cadets continue to develop greater language proficiency. Graded work may include giving oral presentations, writing short essays, or preparing a term paper. A majority of the work is done in Persian.
