Delivered at:: Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies

Course type:: Compulsory course

When:: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Abstract

The history of Iran has been closely tied to its religious practices throughout the centuries. As different dynasties rose and fell, they brought changes to the region's religious landscape with a significant impact on its political and cultural life. This course explores the history of Iran through the lens of its most prominent religious figures across various eras. The course focuses on the prophets, God-inspired rulers, priests and saints (sometimes self-proclaimed), who have shaped Iranian religious, ideological, political, and cultural fabric, which continues to play a crucial role in modern-day Iran.

Learning Objectives

To introduce students to the range of concepts, research methods and approaches in Iranian studies pertaining to the history of religions in Iran
To deepen students’ understanding of diverse social and cultural practices of Iranian societies throughout the centuries
To encourage students to critically reflect on their own cultural assumptions
To stimulate the development of students' analytical skills

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students can process the information and articulate their expertise on Zoroastrianism
Students are able to analyze and articulate the controversy surrounding the rise of Zoroastrianism in Sassanid epoch
Students can explain the difference between Manichaeism and other religions of Mesopotamia
Students can critically analyze disparate sources of information about the rise of Islam
Students can discuss the origins of Shi'a-Sunni split
Students can critically analyze the issue of development of Sufism
Students can discuss the reasons and outcomes of the establishment of Safavid dynasty in Iran
Students can discuss millenarianism in Shi'a thought
Students can scrutinize messianic trends in modern Iran

Course Contents

No One is a Prophet in Their Own Land: Zarathustra and the Emergence of Zoroastrianism in Iran
Making a State Religion in Late Antiquity: The High Priest Kartir and the Rise of Sassanids
From Universal Religion to Worldwide Heresy: Mani and the Fate of Manichaeism
The Seal of the Prophets: Muhammad and the Rise of Islam
The Prince of the Martyrs: Husain Ibn Ali and the Tragedy of Karbala
He is no Prophet, but He has a Book: Jalal al-din Rumi and Making of Sufi Brotherhood
The Reincarnated Imam: Ismail Safavi and the Triumph of Shi‘ism in Iran
A Revelation Renewed: Sayyid Ali Muhammad and the Emergence of Babism
A (Dis-)continuation of God-Inspired Leadership? Modern Iranian Politics and the Quest for the Legitimacy

Assessment Elements

Activity
Oral interview

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.25 * Activity + 0.25 * Activity + 0.5 * Oral interview

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Abrahamian, E. (2008). A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press.
Amanat, A. (2009). Apocalyptic Islam and Iranian Shi’ism. I.B.Tauris.
Ansari, A. M. (2012). The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=473248
Chittick, W. C. (2008). Sufism : A Beginner’s Guide. Oxford: Oneworld Publications. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=218393
Christopher Melchert. (2020). Before Sufism : Early Islamic Renunciant Piety. De Gruyter.
Fisher, G. (2015). Arabs and Empires Before Islam. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1081348
Karamustafa, A. T. (2007). Sufism : The Formative Period. Edinburgh University Press.
Lapidus, I. M. . (DE-588)124445977, (DE-576)294175717. (2014). A history of Islamic societies / Ira M. Lapidus. New York: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.425657388
Michael Axworthy. (2016). A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind. Basic Books.
Newman, A. J. (2009). Safavid Iran : Rebirth of a Persian Empire: Vol. Pbk. ed. I.B. Tauris.
The Cambridge History of Iran. (1968). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/chol9780521069359
The Cambridge History of Iran. (1983). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/chol9780521200929

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Skjærvø, P. O., & International Sacred Literature Trust. (2011). The Spirit of Zoroastrianism. New Haven [Conn.]: Yale University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=450246

Authors

ALONTSEV MAKSIM ALBERTOVICH
KHOMCHENKOVA VARVARA VALENTINOVNA

Bachelor’s Programme 'Language and Literature of Iran'

History of Iran

Course Syllabus