Department of French and Russian Languages and Literature
Connecting Students to Francophone and Russian-Speaking Academic and Cultural Communities
Explore All ProgramsHistory & Overview
The Department of French and Russian Languages and Literature is one of the most internationally oriented academic units within the Faculty of Foreign Languages. The department brings together two important areas of language and cultural studies—French and Russian—providing students with opportunities to engage with two major linguistic and literary traditions and to participate in a wide range of international academic and cultural exchanges.
French language education at the University of Isfahan dates back to 1959. Since 1979, the French program has continued its activities as an independent academic unit within the Faculty of Foreign Languages under the title Department of French Language and Literature.
Following the revision of university curricula after the Islamic Revolution, the department resumed its activities in 1984 at the undergraduate level and admitted its first master’s students in 1990.
The Russian Language program was established in 2018 in response to the growing scientific, cultural, economic, and technological relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation.
Today, the department is staffed by twelve faculty members and offers undergraduate and postgraduate education across French language, literature, translation, language teaching, and Russian language studies.
French Language Studies
Academic Legacy
French language education at the University of Isfahan began in 1959 and has remained one of the faculty’s most established academic traditions.
Independent Program
Since 1979, the French program has operated as an independent academic unit dedicated to language, literature, translation, and language teaching.
Graduate Education
Undergraduate studies resumed in 1984 and the first master’s students were admitted in 1990.
Russian Language Studies
Established in 2018
Created to support expanding scientific, economic, cultural, and technological relations between Iran and Russia.
International Growth
Despite being one of the newest programs, it has rapidly become one of the faculty’s most internationally connected academic initiatives.
Global Engagement
The program contributes significantly to the University of Isfahan’s internationalization strategy.
International Partnerships
- Moscow State University
- Saint Petersburg State University
- Pushkin State Russian Language Institute
- Higher School of Economics (HSE)
- Tomsk State University
- Russian State University for the Humanities
- Southern Federal University
- Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
- Don State Technical University
Student Exchange Programs
One of the department’s notable achievements is the student exchange program with Saint Petersburg State University, launched in 2024.
The initiative provides students with opportunities to study in Russia and enhance their linguistic and intercultural competencies through immersive academic experiences.
Cultural & Scientific Cooperation
Scientific Workshops
Academic workshops and professional training activities with international partners.
Cultural Events
Programs promoting intercultural dialogue and engagement with Francophone and Russian-speaking communities.
Joint Research Initiatives
Collaborative projects, conferences, and academic networking with leading international institutions.
International Engagement
The department collaborates closely with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Isfahan and the Russkiy Mir Foundation to support scientific, cultural, and educational initiatives.
These activities strengthen international cooperation and expand opportunities for students and faculty members alike.
Looking Forward
Through its academic programs, international partnerships, exchange initiatives, and research collaborations, the department continues to promote intercultural dialogue, linguistic diversity, academic mobility, and meaningful engagement with global scholarly communities.
Key Highlights
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