Module ARAM055 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
ARAM055: Iranian History, 1500 - the Present
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Aims
The module aims to make students familiar with the history of Iran from 1500 and the establishment of the Safavid dynasty, to the present, under the Islamic republic. In doing so the aim is to give the students an understanding of the nature of Iranian society and politics, each of which have unique features; and of the way in which the current state of Iran has come about, which often seems incomprehensible to the uninitiated. In doing so it aims to achieve some of the other benefits of historical study generally – a broadening of perspective that enhances understanding of the complexities of interaction and change in human society, the ability to see below the surface of presentation to the underlying realities of motivation and structure, and the supply of examples by analogy that students can use and apply in their own life experience (for example, the ability to recognise humbug, redundancy and dishonesty in bureaucratic practice).
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate skills of historical analysis, both with reference to the history of Iran 1500-the present, but also through studying the historiography of the period, through a series of case studies. 2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the methodological tools applied to the study of Iranian history, the importance of Shiite Islam within that history and the significance of the Iranian revolution in the Middle East region generally |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Discuss empirically based research in the light of wider theoretical frameworks and to critically evaluate historical processes from a culturally specific perspective 4. Understand historical change through a multi-disciplinary approach |
Personal and Key Skills | 5. Study independently and in group work, including participation in oral discussion 6. Organise data effectively to produce a coherent argument to a deadline, both orally and in writing |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- The Rise of the Safavids
- Intellectual Movements in the Safavid Period The collapse of Safavid rule
- Nader Shah and civil war in 18th century Iran The rise of the Qajars
- Religion and State in Qajar Iran The Constitutional Revolution The Rise of Reza Shah
- Muhammad Reza Shah's modernisation and the White Revolution The Islamic Revolutionary movement
- The Victory of Ayatallah Khomeini
- Iran since the revolution
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled learning and teaching | 22 | 11 x 2 hour Seminars. Teaching sessions will include lecturing and class discussion focusing on individual presentations or on specific learning tasks |
Guided independent learning | 40 | Preparation for seminar presentation focused on a text or topic of relevance which may result in the assessed essay |
Guided Independent learning | 40 | Preparation for essay, including time spent in library and on other research |
Guided independent learning | 48 | Additional private study and reading as preparation for class |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).