Discover the long and complex story of Iran, from its ancient Persian origins to its modern geopolitical role. This course explores the key transformations that shaped the nation’s identity. We examine the legacy of early empires, the impact of Islamic transformation, and the development of Iran as a theocratic state following the 1979 Revolution. Through historical context and contemporary insight, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of Iran’s global position and ongoing challenges.

DELIVERY MODE

• Hybrid (face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

Lesson 1: From Persia to Iran

• We trace the ancient basis upon which modern Iran sits – from Cyrus the Great to British and French interference in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lesson 2: The revolution of 1979

• What led to this revolution and how did it play out?

Lesson 3: Islamic Iran

• In this lesson we study what life is like under the theocracy.

Lesson 4: Iran in the 21st century

• Iran has a lot of enemies in the region and outside. What is the future of the regime and the region of the Middle East?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the timeline of history of ancient and modern Iran
2. Be familiar with the forces at play inside Iran
3. See how these forces play out in the region and the world political scene and how Iran deals with them.

COURSE RESOURCES

A History of Iran, Michael Axworthy