REL 234(F) Religion and Revolution in Iran (Same as History 363 and African and Middle Eastern Studies 401)*

This course explores the Iranian revolution as a case study in revolutionary change in the third world. The economic and social history of Iran in the twentieth century will be surveyed, but the religious and cultural elements that are so crucial for understanding the revolution will also be explored through literature. The immediate revolutionary period, 1978 until the present, will be examined in depth. Special attention will be focused on the articulation of a radical religious ideology, including its stance toward Marxism and imperialism and its vision of the place of woman. Since the Iranian revolution is one that confounds revolution theory, some attention will be directed to the implications of the Iranian case for theories of revolution. Requirements: two 3- to 5-page interpretative essays based on class readings and a research paper. Open to all classes without prerequisite.

Hour:  DARROW