Postgraduate Courses in Iranian Studies

 

The newly inaugurated Institute of Iranian Studies in the School of History now offers a taught postgraduate programme in Iranian Studies.  The following options are available:
  1. The Graduate Diploma is a nine-month programme of study which runs from September to May each year.  Students take three taught modules as described below.
  2. M.Litt is a 12-month programme which comprises the same taught element as the Diploma plus a 15,000 word dissertation which may be commenced after the successful completion of the taught elements and must be submitted by 31 August.
  3. M.Phil. is a two year programme consisting of the same taught element as the Diploma, plus a 40,000 word dissertation.

Download Brochure [PDF Format]

For application information please contact pghist@st-and.ac.uk

 

 

Taught element of Diploma, M.Litt and M.Phil.

I. CORE MODULE  Themes in Iranian History and Politics
The core course runs in semester one and will introduce students to major themes, concepts and questions about Iranian history and politics. These will include aspects of methodology, historiography, the questions of nationalism, religion and social structures, as well as an outline of Iran’s place in the region and the broader international community. Teaching will be conducted through seminars and assessment is by coursework only: three essays totalling 10,000 words.

Seminars

  1. Introduction & overview
  2. Mythology & historiography
  3. Orientalism
  4. Sources for research
  5. Islam
  6. Nation & identity
  7. State & Society
  8. Social Movements
  9. Iran and the West
  10. Iran and the World
  11. Conclusion: Imagining Iran

II. TWO OF THE FOLLOWING MODULES:

Iran and the World since 1921

This module will run in the second semester and will focus on Iran’s political development in the modern era, with an assessment of the role of the Great Powers and Iran’s international relations. This module will take an in depth look at the development of the modern Iranian state from its inception under Reza Khan in the 1920s to the present day. It will look at the growth of the state, economic development, relations with the West, Britain and the United States in particular, before turning to the Islamic Revolution and its consequences, with particular focus on the social changes engendered by revolution and war, culminating in the Presidency of Mohammad Khatami, its causes and consequences. While following a broad chronological perspective, students will be encouraged to engage with the themes and historical tensions highlighted by the course. The module is taught by Professor Ali Ansari, through seminars and assessed coursework.

Seminars

  1. Introduction: Persia and the Persian Question
  2. The Constitutional Revolution & its consequences
  3. The rise and rule of Reza Shah I
  4. The rise and rule of Reza Shah II
  5. Iran and the West I: 1941-1953
  6. Mohammad Reza Shah and the White Revolution
  7. Roots of the Islamic Revolution
  8. Revolution and War
  9. Iran, Islam and Democracy
  10. Iran and the West
  11. Iran and the Iranian question.

Either

Introduction to Modern Persian

Students with little or no Persian will be encouraged to take the Introduction to Modern Persian which will run over two semesters. The course is intended to introduce students to the basics of Persian language and grammar with a view to facilitating basic research and textual analysis. No previous knowledge of Persian will be expected. While not compulsory, students intended to pursue a research degree on Iranian history or politics are strongly advised to take this option. The course is assessed through regular class tests and end of year examination.

OR

Directed Reading
Students who do not intend to pursue a higher degree, or already have Persian to a sufficient standard may opt to be supervised on a Directed Reading Course. Directed Reading allows students to focus on a particular topic of interest drawing on the broad expertise provided by the staff in the School and the wider University. Suggested topics include:
Myth and historiography
Islam and the State
Medieval Iran
State-Society relations
Intellectual History
Iran and the West
Iran and the European Union
Iran and the Nuclear Crisis

PhD
PhD Applications are welcomed in a broad range of research topics relating to the History, Politics and International Relations of Iran. For general inquiries please email Professor Ali M Ansari. aa51@st-and.ac.uk

Download Brochure [PDF Format]

 


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