Current Events

Farhang Foundation and the University of Southern California (USC) have officially announced the launch of an Iranian Studies Initiative at the university.  For the first time ever, USC will offer its students Persian language classes as part of their curriculum, beginning as early as Fall 2011; a Minor in Iranian Studies is in the works. This is the first of many.

Spearheaded by Farhang Foundation, the Iranian Studies Initiative at USC is composed of two phases. The first of which will add Persian language courses to the curriculum.  The second phase, still in planning stages, will allow students to choose a minor with a focus on Iranian studies.  This Iranian Studies Initiative is the first of its kind at USC, one of the world's leading private research universities, located in Los Angeles, home to the largest population of Iranians outside of Iran.

"The significance and necessity of an Iranian Studies Initiative at USC cannot be overstated," said Ali C. Razi, chairman of Farhang Foundation. "As the Iranian Diaspora in this region continues to grow, so does the need for education in the areas of Persian language and Iranian Studies. Having an Iranian Studies Initiative at one of Southern California's leading universities is not only important for younger generations of Iranian-Americans who study there, but also for the rest of the community who can now learn about Iran and gain a deeper understanding of its culture and people. This effort - in partnership with USC - is both a historical duty for Farhang Foundation and at the very core of its mission." >>>