PARTICIPATION 10%. [Learning Outcomes 1-4]
An ESSAY of 2,000 WORDS weighted at 40% [Learning Outcomes 1 & 4]
A PORTFOLIO of 3500 WORDS weighted at 50% [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

The essay and portfolio will provide the opportunity to demonstrate all four learning outcomes through focused questions that in each case will require knowledge of the practical implications of the subject matter at hand. The essay will require you to demonstrate the reading of relevant texts and the use of other appropriate materials to develop an analysis of the relevant issue. The portfolio will also require you to write clearly and analytically about the issues raised in the essay question relevant to your working practice.

The module will begin by examining the history of Iran, focussing on the 19th and 20th centuries. There will be a particular emphasis on exploring the political history of this period, including the significance of the Qajar dynasty, the Russo-Persian Wars, the Constitutional Revolution, the 1953 CIA coup - Operation Ajax or 28 Mordad, the rise of Mohammad Reza Shah, the Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, the post-Khomeini leadership, the government of Mahmoud Amadinejad, the Green Movement, the election of the reformist president, Hassan Rouhani in the spring of 2013, and the Iran nuclear agreement in July 2015. International responses to these events will be considered. The module will investigate the culture of Iran, the influence of Shia Islam and the role of women in Iranian society. We will look at the Iranian economy, and analyse the role of oil and the impact of the years of sanctions. We will also explore Iran's international relations, both regionally and with key global players like ISIS and the US. The module will attempt to provide an understanding of the ideas and forces that have shaped contemporary Iran, and the role that Iran plays in the international community.

The module will be delivered by a series of workshops spread over an intensive 3 day programme (this will contribute to 21 hours of contact time). The intention is to deliver information and explain the context of the material under examination in lecture format with discussion points built in to the lecture material. Following the face-to-face workshops, learners will undertake additional work, via e-learning, over a 6 week period. This will contribute to a further 50 hours of study. This will consist of interactive tasks via Blackboard and tutorial support. 229 hours are to be used in self-directed study assisted by a detailed module handbook and Blackboard material. Self-directed study will include preparation for assessment work.

University Library e-brary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

Axworthy, Michael, (2010) A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind, Basic Books.
Buchan, James, (2013) Days of God: The Revolution in Iran and Its Consequences, John Murray.
United States Institute of Peace, “The Iran Primer,” http://iranprimer.usip.org/frontpage

1. CRITICALLY EXPLORE THE HISTORY, CULTURE, ECONOMY AND POLITICS OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.
[Enquiry; Knowledge & Understanding]

2. UNDERSTAND AND ANALYSE FACTORS AND TRENDS THAT AFFECT CONTEMPORARY IRAN.
[Analysis; Learning]

3. CRITICALLY ASSESS THE ROLE OF IRAN IN THE CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. [Analysis; Application]

4. EXPRESS IN WRITING SOPHISTICATED AND COHERENT EXPOSITIONS AND ARGUMENTS. [Communication; Problem Solving; Reflection]

Disqualified Combination: HIPO70033 Iran: History, Culture, Political Economy DL