Modern Iran (PO420/HS326)
course spotlight
About the Course
Taught by Ali Banuazizi, professor of political science, this course analyzes the trends and transformations in the political, social, and cultural history of Iran from the late 19th century to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on Iran’s encounter with the West in the 19th century and its impact on the Iranian economy and society; the constitutional revolution of 1905-1909; Iran's modernization and political development under the Pahlavi dynasty, 1925-1979; social-structural causes and cultural dimensions of the Iranian Revolution of 1979; Iran’s experience as an Islamic republic; political factionalism, civil society, and the quest for democracy; and Iran’s current foreign policies, nuclear ambitions, and its role as a regional power.
In this video, taped during a December 10, 2009, class, Prof. Banuazizi discusses Iran’s current foreign policies—specifically in relation to its neighbors in the Middle East, the U.S., and Israel—its development of a nuclear industry, and its potential for creating nuclear weapons.
About the professor
Ali Banuazizi joined the political science department at Boston College in 1971. Since then, he has held visiting appointments at Princeton, Harvard, the University of Tehran, Oxford University, and MIT. Read More »
In this short video, Prof. Banuazizi introduces himself and discusses his background and research interests.