Students at GWU were recently made aware that the status of the Persian department was being threatened due to low enrollment in one of the many classes offered within the curriculum (Beginning Persian).  It was mentioned that four more students were needed in order to save the department, however, many individuals wanting to sign up found there were conflicts within their schedule.  Understanding that GWU may have justifications as to why the termination of an entire department based upon a few students within one course is plausible, we find this very disheartening and unfair to current students, and prospective students with an interest in taking these courses.  

While fulfilling language requirements, the Persian department and classes offered provided many students with opportunities to learn more about a rich culture that is often reflected in a negative light.  Students were able to delve deeper into a foreign or familiar culture and students without prior experience with the language or culture were provided a space to communicate and improve upon their reading, writing, and speaking, while also establishing unshakeable connections with their peers and our professor. 

Professor Valamotamed has done an incredible job instructing the different Persian classes and providing students with a safe, fun, and interesting learning environment.  The coursework is personalized to the pace of the class and he truly ensures all of his students understand each concept prior to moving on.  His care factor and love for teaching are truly reflected in every session making each course enjoyable and informative.  

Below are a few testimonies from students taking courses within the Persian department.  We truly hope that members of the GWU community will recognize the necessity for such an incredible program and advise anyone interested in the program and courses available to reach out and look further into enrolling.  Click here for additional testimonies, alongside the full versions of those posted below. 

Testimonies: 

Dr. Amal Cavender: 

"As part of my work and area studies working as a GWU member, I was enrolled as a student for two semesters to learn Persian language with Professor Valamotamed. This course exceeded all expectations in teaching a foreign language. Professor Valamotamed integrated his teaching methods to not only teach a language, but also to participate in advancing GW core values that focus on excellence, openness and diversity. The professor respects all students and values them as individuals and treats them with fairness, compassion and care, in order to achieve excellence through distinction, knowledge and innovation" 

Melody Tajalli 

“I was lucky enough to participate and assist with the Beginning Persian classes first and second semester of my first year at GWU. Being first-generation and the oldest daughter within a Persian American household, I feel very strongly regarding protecting this department alongside my peers.  Professor Valamotamed does an incredible job teaching not only the language but the culture in a way that everyone is able to comprehend and relate to regardless of whether or not they are heritage students.  There is no judgment, rather curiosity and open-mindedness demonstrated by the students, and patience and understanding by the Professor.  The importance of this course and department lies much deeper than simply fulfilling a language requirement as it not only portrays a commonly misunderstood culture in a positive light, however, provides a safe community space for those students looking to understand more about their background, and those students with a genuine interest in Iran and the Middle East.”

Sophie Behzadi

"For the academic year of 2019-2020, I had the opportunity to take Beginning Persian I & II with Professor Valamotamed. I’m an Iranian-American, so I was incredibly excited to take this class because this was the first time I’d learn about my culture and my language in an academic setting. GW’s extensive Persian program was a major part of my decision to enroll. These classes have been one of the most formative experiences of my time at GW so far. After so many of our parents and grandparents were exiled from Iran in 1979, language has become a means of creating a community in a new place. Without our language, we would lose our culture, and without this program, GW exacerbates that problem, rather than being a solution. "

Abigail Cate: 

"My two semesters of Farsi at GW have been by far my favorite classes I have taken, not just because the language is interesting and beautiful but also because of the community we have developed within our class and with Professor Valamotamed. This class is integral in developing relationships between Persian and non-Persian students through a shared appreciation for Persian culture. I am beyond excited to continue developing proficiency in Farsi and I would be devastated if the program was cut.”