This course broadly examines the historical, cultural and social processes which have formed and transformed Iranian culture and civilization. The unit comprises three sections: ancient, middle and modern Iran. The student will be introduced to history, politics, language, literature, art and society in Iran, ranging from ancient Persia to contemporary Iran. The course will seek to analyse a range of topics, which includes the legacy of Pre-Islamic Iran as well the history of the Islamic conquest and its impact on Iranian literature, art, and architecture. It will also provide an analysis of the socio-political aspects that came to create modern Iran, emphasising the move towards the constitutional revolution, the consequences of the fifty-year Pahlavi dynasty, and finally the developments of the domestic and foreign policies under the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In this course, students will develop or extend their knowledge and understanding of:

1. significant dates, events and legacies in Iranian history and culture.

2. the processes that have created and transformed the nation-state in Iran.

3. the elements in shaping Iranian cultural and political identity.

4. Iran's regional and international interactions in various historical periods.  

Essay (3000 words) 50%, final Examination (two hours) 40%, Tutorial assessment (based on attendance, reading and performance) 10%.

First year courses to the value of 12 units from Arts or Asian Studies, or with permission of the Director of the Centre.

Arberry, A.J., (ed.). The Legacy of Persia, Clarendon Press, 1953.

Browne, E.G. Literary History of Persia, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1964.
Mackey, Sandra.  THe Iranians: Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation, New York: Plume Book, 1998
Frye, R.N., The Golden Age of Persia. London: Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 1975. * Saikal, A., The Rise and Fall of the Shah, Princeton University Press, 1980.