Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies

Zoroastrianism Summer Course

Download an application form (MS Word)

Key information

Start date
Duration
One week
Attendance mode
Full-time
Location
Norwegian Institute, Rome
Entry requirements

An undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a graduate, at the time of attending the summer school, and 18+ years of age. The course is open to those wishing to take credit towards a Master’s programme. For this reason we will prioritise students who are currently enrolled in a degree programme.

See English language requirements

Course overview

We are pleased to announce that the third Zoroastrian Summer School will take place this year from 26 to 30 June 2023.

The course is a collaboration between SOAS and the University of Bergen, Norway, and will be held at the Norwegian Institute in Rome. The course will be taught by Dr Sarah Stewart (SOAS), Professor Michael Stausberg (University of Bergen) and Dr Jenny Rose (Claremont University).

The topic of the course is ‘Zoroastrianism as a religious minority in modern and contemporary Iran’. This course is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of Zoroastrianism. Students will be given an intensive learning experience consisting of lectures, discussions and interactive workshops.

Pre-requisites

Undergraduate students will be required to complete the free online course (MOOC) Zoroastrianism: History, Religion, and Belief prior to attending the summer school. Postgraduate students will be required to complete the MOOC as well as essential reading (details of which will be provided to successful applicants).

How to apply

Applications are open to both current (undergraduate or master’s) students and graduates. We give priority to current students as the course can be taken for credit towards a Master's degree.

If you would like to apply, please read carefully the applicant Information (PDF) and terms and conditions (PDF), and send your completed application form (MS Word) by email: SSPIZS@soas.ac.uk

The deadline for applications is Sunday 26th March 2023. Successful applicants will be required to pay a £40 registration fee.

Teaching and learning

Convenors and tutors

Professor Michael Stausberg (Univ. of Bergen) and Dr Sarah Stewart (SOAS) are the course convenors and share the teaching together with one other academic, Dr Jenny Rose from Claremont University, California.

Credits

This course offers 15 UK credits (7.5 ECTS) towards a SOAS master’s degree.

If you intend to claim credits from your home institution, please check the requirements with them before you enrol. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can, however please be aware that the decision to award credits rests with your home institution.

Contact hours

30 hours comprising 13 hours of lectures, 13 hours of seminars and 4 hours of practical classes and workshops.

Assessment

  • Assignment 1: Classroom presentation of an essay in English of 1,000 words. The essay/ presentation will be based on an assigned interview from Vol. 2 of Voices from Zoroastrian Iran that will be sent to students in May. The presentation should be written prior to attending the teaching sessions..
  • Assignment 2: 2,000 (undergraduate) or 2,500 (master’s/graduate) word essay in English on a different topic than the classroom presentation. The topic will have to be approved by the convenor. The paper will be submitted five weeks after the end of the course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the participants shall have gained the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skill, and general competence.

Knowledge

  • gained knowledge on a selected aspect of Zoroastrianism
  • obtained knowledge on matters of theory and method related to the study of Zoroastrianism.

Skills

  • ability to present results of reading to the class.
  • ability to write a coherent analytical text on a given topic.
  • able to use the standard techniques of academic writing.

General competence

  • able to interact with students from other countries
  • able to actively participate in classroom discussions on unfamiliar topics.

Fees and funding

Fees

There are no tuition fees, and only a £40 registration fee for successful applicants.

We are pleased to offer three bursaries of up to £1,000 to help with the costs of travel and accommodation. In order to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the course application form.

Key staff

Download an application form (MS Word)

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