Spring 2008

MES 324K • IRANIAN DISSIDENT POLITICS

Course Description

The period from the middle of the 19th century until the coup d'etat led by Reza Khan in 1921 brought questioning of the status quo in Iran as the country came into ever greater contact with the West and the world. This course will look at the ideas put forward by numerous dissidents and reformists during this period, their criticisms of the traditional authoritarian political structure, their suggestions for reforming it, and resulting conservative reactions. The debates of that era have relevance for later Iranian history insofar as many of the issues first raised then --such as the rule of law, the structure of government, and the relationship between religion and the state--are still being debated today in Iran.

Grading Policy

There will be a mid-term and a final exam and each will count for 25% of the overall grade. A 10-15 page research paper will count for 40% of the overall grade. Class participation will count for 10% of the overall grade.

Texts

Nikki R. Keddie, Qajar Iran and the Rise of Reza Khan, 1796-1925. Collection of Documents and articles.

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