15-25 AUGUST 2019 “We provide an academic platform INTERNATIONAL for the study of modern Iranian SUMMER culture, politics, and society” COURSE

CONTEMPORARY IRANIAN STUDIES University of Religions and Denominations

Tehran DAYS 11 Isfahan Shiraz

VISA WITHOUT LABEL & STAMP

01 ACADEMIC LECTURES 02 SOCIAL PROGRAMS 03 CULTURAL TOURS The core course is team taught, Our handpicked social programs offer You have the expert advice of leading which provides hours of on-site and you a taste of real-life experiences scholars guiding you for an academic on-campus lectures to be followed by that can’t be Googled. It provides a tour of , including 4 cities of Qom, Q & A sessions and free discussion. unique experience of living in Iran. Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 20 JUNE 2019

University of Pardisan – Qom – Iran WhatsApp: Email: [email protected] Religions and P.O Box: 37185 – 178 +98 930 548 2465 Web: iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir Denominations

[email protected] | 1 11 DAYS IN IRAN

Qom

15-16 August 2019 Religion in Contemporary Iran COURSE Iran’s second-holiest city, Qom is home to both the magnificent Haz- DESCRIPTION rat-e Masumeh shrine and the clerics who have ruled the country since 1979. ran as a civilization is one of the oldest This intensive course is a well-balanced and richest in the world, and modern Iran mixture of 1) academic lectures by outstanding Isfahan Tehran bears the memory of that rich and glorious professors, 2) handpicked social programs, heritage. As this country continues to and 3) cultural tours guided by experts of the 17-19 August 2019 23-25 August 2019 play a more active role in both regional filed. Art in Contemporary Iran Politics in Contemporary Iran Iand global cultural and political arenas, the The academic lectures give you plenty A glorious city rich in art, cultural Capital of the country, Tehran is Iran’s inherent advantage of cultivating a deeper of opportunity to better understand wonders, and architecture lives on most secular and liberal city. This is the understanding of Iran becomes increasingly contemporary Iran. The social programs give to this day; all give it a visual appeal nation’s dynamic beating heart and the apparent. unmatched by any other city. place to get a handle on modern Iran you the chance to take part in reflective events “Isfahan is half the world”. and what its future will likely be. Organized by the Open Education Department at and activities to taste real life experiences in the University of Religions and Denominations Iran. And the guided tours of Iran let you truly (URD), the Contemporary Iranian Studies immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere Shiraz summer course provides an interdisciplinary that Iran has to offer. and multidisciplinary platform for the study of The main purpose is to allow those interested 20-22 August 2019 modern Iranian culture, politics, and society. from abroad to explore Iran, to be directly in Culture in Contemporary Iran It seeks to deliver an enriching experience touch with their subject of interest, to learn Celebrated as the heartland of Persian and offer a unique academic program for about Iran from a multidisciplinary academic culture for over 2000 years, Shiraz has those who wish an intimate, insider’s look at approach and to gain a first-hand experience become synonymous with education, modern Iran. of living in Iran. nightingales, and poetry. It’s also home to whispered echoes of ancient Persepolis.

2 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 3 he Iranian Studies summer course is a well-balanced mixture of 1) academic lectures OUR byT outstanding professors as COURSE well as 2) handpicked social UNIQUENESS programs and 3) cultural tours STRUCTURE guided by experts of the filed.

1) Academic Lectures These lectures are designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge, and critical thinking required to understand contemporary Iran in terms of culture, politics, art, history, religion, etc. The goal is to not simply provide an outline of the subjects, but to continuously put these various topics into conversation. The core course is team taught, which gives participants the unique opportunity to work with several professors and scholars. It provides hours of specialized any universities offer wishing to attain a formal lectures to be followed by Q&A treated to a home-cooked meal courses related to academic certificate or sessions and free discussion in in evening family, meeting with the study of Iran enthusiasts wishing to have a dialogical space. Lectures will Grand Ayatollahs of Hawza or throughout the real-life experience of today Iran. be presented both on and off sharing joy with thousands world, however, We provide a unique campus by professors affiliated of Iranians in a Festival. These Ma true understanding of Iran experience of living in Iran. to top universities of Iran. On- unexpected moments are what can only be gained through Participants learn about Iran site lectures will be offered giving you an experience like no an interdisciplinary academic from an insider perspective throughout the program as well, other. What we offer is the local approach coupled with first- in the form of academic which is among the distinctive knowledge and experience to hand experience. knowledge taught by Iranian features of our program. 3) Cultural Tours help you get behind the scenes University of Religions and lecturers, and at the same time Follow in pilgrims’ footsteps and of a culture and understand what Denominations (URD) in the gain direct access to their field 2) Social Programs explore the history of old Persia makes that destination tick. These heart of religious capital of Iran of study by living amongst its In Social Programs we are taking and the spirit of the new Iran. are unique and authentic insights provides the ideal opportunity friendly people, exploring its you to those local secrets that You will have the expert advice into local life in Iran. to gain a comprehensive and historic and cultural sights, can’t be Googled. With our of leading scholars guiding insightful understanding of Iran. and discovering its social and handpicked social activities, you you each step of the Iran Tour, Accreditation The Faculty of Open Education cultural atmosphere. can taste real-life experiences deciphering the complex world Iran Studies sumer course is at URD is the only faculty in Iran Our program offers a unique you won’t find in search engines. of this rich culture with you. recognized and accredited that offers intensive courses on first-hand and in-depth It would be the moment you Our itineraries are specifically by the University of Religions Iranian Studies exclusively to academic experience that find yourself in the middle of a crafted to include the best of and Denominations. A formal and specifically for international extends beyond the politicized black tent of Iranian nomads, Iran tour. They’re not simply certificate will be awarded to participants. perspective offered by some spending an unforgettable about getting from point A to each participant upon successful We welcome both applicants overseas institutions. night sleeping in desert, being point B, or ‘seeing the sights. completion of the program.

4 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 5 • The final schedule and detailed itinerary will be sent to all applicants before the program starts. • Lectures will be presented on-site and on-campus SCHEDULE in cooperation with the University of Tehran, “ Isfahan University of Art, and Shiraz University. OVERVIEW • Further information on workshop and lecturers will be available on our website. • 2 hours of bus tour (BT) and a short walking tour (WT) is designed for each city.

DAY CITY THEME WORKSHOP TOPICS SOCIAL PROGRAMS TOUR ACTIVITIES

WT: Gozar Khan Bazaar/ Timche Farsh/ Jameh / Traditional bath/ 15-16 Shi’ism: Doctrines and Rituals Meeting with a Grand Ayatollah Qom: Religion Jahangir Khan Seminary Aug 2019 Religiosity and Secularity Hawzah Ilmīyah City of Ayatollahs & Contemporary Iran BT: Mosque/ Golzar-e Shuhada/ Gonbad Sabz Garden/ Mont Élie Ijtihad, Fatwa & Religious Authority Khomeini House

Handicraft Workshop WT: Naqsh-e Jahan Square/ Ali Qapu Palace/ Lotfollah & Imam / 17-19 Isfahan: Iranian Fine Arts Art Traditional Live Music Qeysarie Gate Aug 2019 Half the World’s Iranian Music & Contemporary Iran Evening Family BT: Khaju Bridge/ Si-o-seh Pol/ Fire temple/ Menar Jonban Beauty Islamic Vank Cathedral Jolfa Neighborhood/ Chehelsetoon Palace

Hafez Khani WT: / Vakil Bazaar/ Vakil Bath/ Saraye Moshir 20-22 Shiraz: Culture History and Civilization Ghadir Festival BT: Tomb of Saadi/ Qur’an Gate/ Eram Garden/ Afif-Abad Garden/ Karim Aug 2019 Hub of Culture & Contemporary Iran Culture and Society Khan Castle Night With Nomads Nasir-ol-molk Mosque/ Tomb of Hafez/ Persepolis/ Naqsh-e Rustam

Islamic Consultative Assembly WT: 30 Tir St./ National Garden Gate/ Bazaar 23-25 Tehran: Revolution and Political Changes Politics Muslim Women’s Organization Aug 2019 Beating Heart of Power Structure, State and Governance BT: Baharestan Square/ Azadi Tower/ Milad Tower/ Oudlajan Neighborhood & Contemporary Iran Zurkhaneh Ritual Iran Gender and Woman’s right Tehran Synagogue Golestan Palace/ Tabiat Bridge

6 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 7 he Iranian Studies 5. As soon as we receive the summer course is deposit or flight ticket, we open to professors, start your visa application scholars, & students process if you prefer us to from all around the take care of the visa affairs. worldT who want to explore Iran through an academic 6. Full payment will be lens. received at your arrival Others who are engaged in in Iran in cash. We are activism in these fields or en- regrettably unable to counters with Persianate world offer credit card payment and who wish to sharpen their service for course fees. insights will also find this inten- sive course very helpful. Pro- Important Dates fessionals working in Muslim contexts, in education, govern- • Early Registration Deadline: th ment, NGOs and even corpora- 30 May 2019 tions will also benefit from the • Final Registration Deadline: program. 20th June 2019

• Course begins: Application Steps 15th August 2019

1. Complete and submit • Course ends: application form. 25th August 2019 2. Make sure the correct documents are attached as requested.

3. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance at the latest, 7 days after their application.

4. Once you are admitted, HOW TO you will be required to provide weather a deposit APPLY? of refundable €70 or a copy of your purchased flight ticket to Iran which Individuals from a wide range of academic and/ will count as your final or professional interests are welcome to apply. acceptance.

8 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 9 FEES & FELLOWSHIP

Standard and Special Rates he course fee includes depend on the participants’ tuition to be registration fee, course able to do the program. Nevertheless, Package Standard Fee Early Birds MoU* Group (3-5) materials, accommodation, we are passionate about education and meals, transport, airport 11-Day All Inclusive € 1120 € 970 € 870 € 830 do our best for individuals to fulfil their transfers (pick-up and drop- potential. We are providing several partial Inclusions off),T site entrance, travel insurance and financial aids available for applicants all costs related to the social programs Accommodation (10 nights): Twin share room in 4/3-star hotel or traditional house who would otherwise not have had the and trips. However, international flight Transport (11 days): Private Transport, Bus, Plane opportunity to attend. expenses (to and from Iran) and visa fee Meals (11 days): All meals and refreshments are not included. Airport transfers: Pick-up and drop-off While we cannot guarantee to cover all applications, we are working on partial Travel insurance Fellowship sponsorships and we would like to hear Site entrance fees from you if the financial issue would be Other related costs We sincerely regret our inability to offer full scholarship or subsidize travel costs. a big concern for your enrollment to Exclusions We do not receive any funds from private the program. Please contact us for more International Flight & Visa fee nor public institutions and, thus, we fully information. * Single room is available with an additional €17 per night. * MoU: Participants from Uni/ Institutes we have a memorandum of understanding in between.

10 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 11 VISA Travel to Iran without a WITHOUT LABEL & STAMP passport stamp of entry and exit!

he University of Religions and Steps in Detail embassy which you have indicated 5. Let us know the feedback. If there Denominations provides visa in your application form. If you is any problem, we will remain with sponsorship for all confirmed 1. Upon the registration you will be “ are opting to collect your visa on you for solving it until you receive applicants. As in every other required to email us 1) a color scan arrival please select ‘Tehran Imam the visa. country, visa process is of your passport; and 2) a recently- Khomeini International Airport IKA” subjectT to background checks by related taken color passport photo. Once in the form. 6. By having the Visa Grant Notice, authorities. The visa approval process your registration is confirmed, we you will be able to collect your visa can take up to 3 weeks after applicants are submit your documents to the Iranian 3. Once your visa code approved, we within 30 days and before the code notified of their successful application. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in will send you a ‘Visa Grant Notice’ expires. However, if you are travelling on UK, USA (VGN) letter Issued by the MFA. Tehran. 7. According to the new policy, Iran does or CANADIAN passport, please be aware 4. The VGN letter is only valid to the not stamp the passport on arrival or that your visa process takes longer (up to 2. The MFA will issue your visa mentioned consulate. But, you may departure. Therefore, you will travel 2 months) and you need to apply before authorization code that will be request us to forward it to another to Iran without a visa label or stamp May 30th. transmitted to the Iranian consulate/ consulate in case of emergency. of entry and exit on your passport!

12 | iranianstudies.urd.ac.ir [email protected] | 13