If you have no background in Middle Eastern languages I do not recommend taking Hagigi as your professor. Though the prereq is no prior knowledge of Persian, the majority of the students speak Persian fluently or have prior knowledge of it. Thusly, the class is taught to their level. Do not be fooled, this is not a class for beginners. Also, the structure of the class inhibits learning. A class meets three times a week (not five), little interaction/speaking, and exams are ambiguous. If you are a beginner and are taking this professor, get a tutor, it is the only way you can pass this class.