Iranian Studies MLitt

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.

Compulsory

• Themes in Middle Eastern History and Politics: looks at a variety of theoretical and disciplinary approaches, including Orientalism, and explores questions of nationalism, statehood and identity.

Students take two of the following modules:

• Directed Reading in Middle Eastern History (1 and 2): designed to encourage the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
• Iran and the World since 1921: looks at the development of the modern Iranian state from its inception under Reza Khan in the 1920s to the present day.
• Mediaeval Iran: from the Sasanids to the Samanids: looks at the changing nature of Iran from the perspective of its politics, religion and culture in the period circa 200-1000.
• Two modules in Persian at the appropriate level (Persian for Beginners 1 and 2 or Intermediate Persian 1 and 2).

If students choose the language option they also need to take the following module:

• Middle Eastern Historical Translation: intended to complement and supplement Persian language modules and to serve as a bridge between the language modules and history modules which constitute the majority of the MLitt in Iranian Studies programme.

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.