This course broadly examines the historical, cultural and social processes which have formed and transformed Iranian culture and civilization. The unit comprises three sections: ancient, middle and modern Iran. The student will be introduced to history, politics, language, literature, art and society in Iran, ranging from ancient Persia to contemporary Iran. The course will seek to analyse a range of topics, which includes the legacy of Pre-Islamic Iran as well the history of the Islamic conquest and its impact on Iranian literature, art, and architecture. It will also provide an analysis of the socio-political aspects that came to create modern Iran, emphasising the move towards the constitutional revolution, the consequences of the fifty-year Pahlavi dynasty, and finally the developments of the domestic and foreign policies under the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. significant dates, events and legacies in Iranian history and culture;
2. the processes that have created and transformed the nation-state in Iran;
3. the elements in shaping Iranian cultural and political identity; and
4. Iran's regional and international interactions in various historical periods.

Research-Led Teaching

As an active researcher, with extensive research fieldworks in Iran and the Middle East, I intend to integrate my research outcomes with my teaching strategies and try to provide original findings and tangible inspiration to my students. The 3000-word essay will allow students to apply theories, and exercise structuring essay, and to practice their research skills, their critical analysis and their ability to engage with the academic literature associated with the module. This would also enable students to apply a range of key ideas and to examine and re-examine them with multi and interdisciplinary approaches and employ theories to support their views on the selected question.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

N/A

Recommended Resources

I recommend buying the following books for our library:

Michael Axworthy. Iran: Empire of the Mind: A History from Zoroaster to the Present Day. Penguin Books. 2007. 

Amanat, Abbas. Iran Modern History, Yale University Press. New Haven & London 2017.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	General Information: Land, People, Languages, Religions, Political System.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
2	Ancient Iran (1): The Elamites. Ayrian Tribes Migration. The process of state formation: Median State, Achaemenids Dynasty (Persian Empire).	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
3	Ancient Iran (2): Persian Dynasties Prior to the Arab Invasion: Parthian (Arsacid), Sassanid.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
4	Ancient Iranian Religions: Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
5	Two Major Invasions: Arab Invasion and Conquest of Persia. The Mogul Invasion.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
6	Classical Persian Literature.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
7	Safavid Dynasty. Revival of Shi’ite Islam. Post-Safavid Era.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
8	The Qajar Dynasty. Constitutional Revolution.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
9	The Pahlavi Era.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
10	The 1979 Iranian Revolution. The establishment of Islamic Republic.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
11	Iran after the 1979 Revolution. Cultural and social movements.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.
12	Modern Persian Poetry.	Students are expected to undertake 8-10 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial participation	10 %	*	Tutorial assessment will be based on performance and participation in discussions during the tutorial sessions.
Essay 2000 words	40 %	26/03/2021	Will be assessed against one or more of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4, on (in descending order of importance)
Essay 2500 words	50 %	04/06/2021	Will be assessed against one or more of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4, on (in descending order of importance)

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial participation

Guidelines for Seminars and Tutorial participation (10%) 

It is crucial that you prepare meticulously for the seminars and tutorials and actively participate in class discussions and debates. It is crucial that you read the weekly Essential Readings and address these questions:

1.           What are the key points of the week’s readings? How do they relate or complement/expand the lecture of the week?

2.           What are the most important points in each assigned article?

3.           What are the problematic issues or points that you would like to discuss further with your tutor and the group?

Class Presentations (10 minutes presentation)

You can choose to present on a topic related to your essay 1 or essay 2 in the class presentation or any other topic that you would like to explore. You can use the presentation to develop your essay 1 or essay 2 and use the opportunity to get feedback on your ideas from the course convenor and your peers. Presentation should be backed by academic research and evidence; students are encouraged to use powerpoint presentation and not to read notes. It is about harnessing your public speaking and communication skills.

Assessment Task 2

Essay 2000 words

Essay 2000 words due by 26 of March 2021 40%:

Details of task: In the essay, you should explore one of the topics related to Iranian history and culture from a critical perspective. You are encouraged to examine critically historical events and elements that have shaped Iranian cultural and political identity. Essay topics will be provided by the course convenor but you are also encouraged to think of your own topic in line with what interest you in the history, culture and society of Iran and then discuss it with the course convenor to approve it.

Assessment Task 3

Essay 2500 words

Essay 2500 words due by 4 June 2021 50%

Details of task: In the essay, you should explore one of the topics related to Iranian history and culture from a critical perspective. You are encouraged to examine critically historical events and elements that have shaped Iranian cultural and political identity. Essay topics will be provided by the course convenor but you are also encouraged to think of your own topic in line with what interest you in the history, culture and society of Iran and then discuss it with the course convenor to approve it.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Essays returned on May 12.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There are no provisions for resubmission of essays in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students