Parmis Mozafari

Teaching and Research

I joined the University of St Andrews in 2018 as an Associate Lecturer in Persian. Since then, I have been the module coordinator and the main instructor for the core language modules PR1001, PR1002, PR2001, PR2002, PR3001, and PR3002. I am also the module coordinator for PR5000 Distance Learning which is offered as an optional module for DL MLit in Iranian Studies. 

Apart from different cultural components that I use as teaching material, what makes my core language modules exceptional is the use of music/songs. Given my fast-paced approach, I introduce songs as soon as week 8 of PR1001 when the students learn to sing Persian songs. As repeatedly stated in students’ feedback, this activity has been one of the most enjoyable components of Persian.

Drawing on my background as a trained musician in Persian classical music and a researcher on women musicians in Iran, I contribute to several interdisciplinary modules. These include MU1006 (An Introduction to Ethnomusicology), GD5503 (Interdisciplinary Topics in Gender Studies), and MH5414/5604 DL (Themes in Middle Eastern and Iranian History). My lectures and seminars cover critical topics such as music censorship, gender relations, and religion-related restrictions, with a specific focus on the contemporary status of Iranian women singers and dancers.

I am an active member of the University’s Institute of Iranian Studies and have participated in many different outreach events including teaching Persian language, Persian calligraphy lessons and workshops, Persian music performances and lessons and workshops.

I am enthusiastic about supervising MLitt and PhD students. My research interests and areas of potential supervision include music in Iran and the Middle East, religion and religious minorities in the musical culture of the Persianate world, and Persian language and literature.