Iran, Islam, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Politics

This seminar will provide historical understanding that is essential for analyzing Iran and its role in the contemporary world. The seminar will first address the early history of Persia, its relationship with the Roman Empire, and the development in Persia of Shi’a Islam. This essential background will help explain formation of the Iranian state in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and its relationship with western powers.  Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, the Iran-Iraq war, and the deterioration of relations with the U.S. will be addressed. The seminar will conclude with discussion of recent issues in Iran and its international relations, such as the role of women and gender, nuclear negotiations with the U.S., and the Trump administration’s attitude towards Iran’s theocratic regime.

Mateo Farzaneh, History Department

For more information, please contact Acting Chair Tim Scherman at [email protected] or our Office Administrator Hilary Jirka at [email protected].

Tim Scherman
English Department Chair

INDIVIDUAL TUITION

$110 per seminar

GROUP TUITION

For departments, schools, or districts: If you would like to register for a total of five or more seats for various seminars, you will still receive the discounted price. $500 for five seats; $900 for 10 seats; $1,500 for 20 seats.

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The seminar takes place on Friday mornings on Northeastern Illinois University’s Main Campus on the 3rd floor of the Ronald Williams Library unless otherwise noted. Northeastern Illinois University is located on Chicago’s Northwest Side.