OSHER 789 - Modern Iran: Its People, Positions & Place in the World

Beginning with the ancient history and religions of the Persian people, this course will cover the Arab invasion, the Sunni/Shia split, Iran's role in the World Wars and U.S. relations with the shahs. We will examine Iranian perceptions of their own history and the effects of Shia traditions on modern Iran. The Iranian Revolution and the legacy of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini are powerful factors in Iran's culture today, but Iranian politics are guided by more immediate and personal issues as well. Join us for a visual tour of modern Iran, its people and the pressures they face today, and conclude with discussions of Iran's nuclear position and its role in today's troubled Middle East.