Spring 2009

MES 324K • IRANIAN IDENTITY: QUESTION/ CHALLENGES

Course Description

The concept of globalization and confronting a globalized world have posed new questions and challenges regarding national, ethnic, historical, political, sociological , psychological, linguistic, literary, artistic, religious, and on the whole cultural identity in various parts of the world, including Iran. After a historical survey and examination of the question of "Iranianness" and "Persianness," this course focuses on various aspects of Iranian identity in the present age through the writings and other works of prominent contemporary scholars, thinkers, and artists.

Grading Policy

Two classroom presentations, weekly writing assignments on materials studied and a 15-page mid-term and a 15 page final essay Active participation in classroom discussions and presentations (30%), weekly assignments (20%), and essays (50%).

Texts

Tara Bahrampur, To See and See Again: A Life in Iran and America Abbas Milani, Lost Wisdom" Rethinking Modernity in Iran Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books Nasrin Rahimieh, Missing Persians: Discovering Voices in Iranian Cultural History Xerox packet of materials

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