Academic Programs

MLitt Postgraduate Degrees in Iranian Studies

The Institute of Iranian Studies convenes a taught postgraduate programme in Iranian Studies.

The following programmes are available:

• Graduate Diploma: a nine-month programme comprising three taught modules (September to May)
• M.Litt.: successful completion of the Graduate Diploma plus a 15,000-word dissertation to be completed by the end of August.
• M.Phil.: a two-year programme – successful completion of the Graduate Diploma plus a 40,000-word dissertation

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

Programme Outline Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits):

MH 5101 Themes in Iranian History & Politics (40 credits)
An additional 80 credits from any of the following modules (MH5111, MH5110, MH5001)

MLitt (180 credits)
As diploma plus Dissertation (60 credits) subject to average grade of 13.5 on previous modules.

MPhil
As diploma plus Dissertation subject to average grade of 13.5 on previous modules.

MH 5101 – 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

MH 5111 – 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.

MH 5110 – Introduction to Modern Persian OR MH 5001 Directed Reading

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.

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-andrews.ac.uk]