University of Tehran
Faculty of World Studies Prospectus 2021-2022 MA Iranian Studies Iranian Studies PhD Iranian Studies 2 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Contact Details
Ms Fatemeh Rezaei Iranian Studies Coordinator Faculty of World Studies Northern Campus University of Tehran North Kargar Street Tehran, Iran
Tel: +98 (21) 8863 0999 Fax: +98 (21) 8863 0196 Email: [email protected] website: https://fws.ut.ac.ir/en/ 3 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Contents
Contact Details ...... 2 Introduction ...... 4 Where are we? University of Tehran ...... 5 The University of Tehran has Faculty of World Studies ...... 6 several campuses throughout Iranian Studies ...... 8 Iran. Its Tehran campuses are MA Iranian Studies ...... 10 located in the heart of the capital. Persian Language Courses ...... 12 Our faculty is part of the Northern Guest Student Option ...... 13 Campus on North Kargar Street, PhD Iranian Studies ...... 14 which is located about 4km north Foundation Courses ...... 16 of the Central Campus on Engelab Course Fees ...... 16 Eslami Street. Key Dates ...... 17 Student Life ...... 18 Accommodation ...... 19 4 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Islamic civilization. Therefore, by studying related to the study of Iran, including Introduction contemporary Iran, students will be its ancient history, literature and religion. introduced to a vivid and progressive However, a true understanding of Iran can For centuries, the land of Persia, one society in one of the most important parts only be gained through a interdisciplinary of the oldest and richest civilizations, of the world, as well as understand Islam as academic approach coupled with first-hand has inspired people far and wide- a constructive religion and civilization. experience. attracting thousands of merchants, “Iranian Studies” is a well-recognized The University of Tehran in the heart poets, artists, conquerors, and explorers academic discipline throughout the of the Iranian capital provides the from all over the globe. Contemporary Iran world. Many universities offer courses ideal opportunity for students to gain bears the memory of that rich and ancient a comprehensive understanding of history. While living a modern lifestyle, Iran’s rich culture and civilization Iranians are very much committed to including its historical experience, belief preserving their long-lasting traditions and systems, customs, language, as well as culture. contemporary everyday life. Iran’s culture has been heavily The benefits of studying Iran at the influenced by Islamic teachings, Faculty of World Studies are twofold: and at the same time, Iran’s students learn about Iran from an insider cultural and scientific heritage perspective in the form of academic has contributed magnificently knowledge taught by Iranian lecturers, and to the formation of the at the same time gain first-hand access to their field of study by living amongst its friendly people, visiting its historic and cultural sights, and discovering its social and cultural atmosphere. 5 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
university hosts many important cultural comprehensive set of academic University of Tehran and political events of both national and libraries in Iran, which in addition to the international significance each year. The nearby National Library of Iran and UT The University of Tehran (UT) was founded University of Tehran known as the most subscriptions to national and international in 1934. It was one of the first modern prestigious university in Iran, is particularly online databases (including JSTOR, SAGE, universities to be established in the highly regarded in the humanities fields, Wiley and Taylor & Francis), ensure our Middle East and currently ranks amongst and attracts the best students, lecturers students and lecturers have access to the the top 300 universities in the world and professors from around the country. richest possible selection of academic according to international rankings. As The university has the most resources. one of the main symbols of Tehran, the 6 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Faculty of World Studies
The Faculty of World Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to area studies by promoting the theoretical, strategic and applied study of foreign countries. The main mission of the faculty is to foster expertise, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies understanding and cooperation from the individual to the Dr Mohammad Samiei ([email protected]) is an institutional level. associate professor in Iranian Studies. He was appointed as the Dean in June 2020. He specializes The faculty was initiated as the Institute of North in politics, the Islamic Revolution and Shia studies. American and European studies in 2004, and later became an independent faculty as its course offerings expanded. It now offers two year MA programs in British Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Indian Studies, North American Studies, Russian Studies, Latin American Studies, Japanese Studies and Arab World Studies (with a focus on Iraq, Egypt and Palestine). The Head of the Iranian Studies Department Faculty of World Studies has offered an MA program Dr Ebrahim Mohseni ([email protected]) was in Iranian Studies, specifically designed for non-Iranian appointed as the Head of the Department in July students, since 2011. It continued to grow and currently 2020. He specializes in Economics, International we offer an even wider selection of specializations to Security and Public Opinion Research. MA and PhD students. For more information please visit our website at https://fws.ut.ac.ir/en/ 7 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Dr Saeid Reza Ameli Dr Mahdi Ahouie Did you know? ([email protected]). ([email protected]). Our professors have lived, Key Interests: Society and culture, Key Interests: International studied and taught in Iran Communication and Cyberspace Relations and Politics and overseas. They have first-hand experience of Dr Shaho Sabbar international student life ([email protected]). and are familiar with the Key Interests: Social Information perspectives of foreign Network, Social Media students. 8 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
perspective offered by some overseas Iranian Studies institutions. Our students are introduced to a wide range of subjects including What can Iranian Studies offer me? anthropology, cultural and religious The Faculty of World Studies is the studies, economics, political science and only faculty in Iran that offers Iranian history as related to Iran. Studies exclusively to and specifically for Our courses also provide an exceptional The course of Iranian international students. We welcome both Studies is a great opportunity for students to learn and opportunity to long-term students wishing to attain a practice Persian speaking, listening and experience a unique formal qualification from the University reading skills every day, as well as develop perspective of this of Tehran and short-term guest students an academic writing ability in Persian in region’s history, culture wishing to experience Iran first-hand the later stages of the program. First-year and politics. A student during the course of their relevant post- with any desire to MA Iranian Studies modules are taught truly experience Iran graduate studies outside Iran. in English, while students are enrolled will be well served by The main purpose of the Iranian Studies in concurrent Persian language classes. undertaking this course. Department is to allow international In their second year of studies, students As a British citizen students to be directly in touch with undertake their course work, essays and and Iranian historian their subject of interest and to learn this is one of the few exams in Persian. ways to gain a rounded about Iran from a multidisciplinary What truly sets us apart from the other education in a field that approach. Our program offers a quality Iranian Studies institutions throughout is all too often overly and in-depth educational experience that the world is that our students gain first- politicised. extends students beyond the politicized Robert MacConney hand experience of living in Iran. 2016 Entry, from Britain 9 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Aim What options are available? The main focus of this program is to train Students wishing to obtain a formal and equip professionals with unbiased qualification from the University of Tehran academic and personal knowledge of may enrol in our MA Iranian Studies or PhD Iran. This knowledge will allow them to be Iranian Studies. able to critically analyze the issues related Students enrolled in relevant post-graduate to contemporary Iran objectively and studies outside Iran may apply to join our accurately. MA program as guest students for up to two Emphasising the political, semesters. cultural, and social characteristics, MA Iranian Studies in University of Tehran opens a window onto deep knowledge of Iran. The meticulously-designed courses are beneficial for both those who want to continue academic career in Iran-related fields and those who deal with affairs concerning Iran. Exploring this land without limitation during the program, I realized my Iranophilia and found the unduplicatable experience for my future research on Persian language. Na Shaoqian 2017 Entry, from China 10 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Students for whom English is not their MA Iranian Studies first language must have at least IELTS 6.5, TOFEL 575 (paper based) or TOFEL Duration: 2-3 years 232 (computer based) or equivalent qualifications. Awarding Institute: University of Tehran Students whose first degree does not correspond with the program I had the pleasure to join the Course Description may be required to complete relevant program of Iranian studies for a Students will be introduced to issues foundation courses (see page 16). semester exchange from Canada. related to contemporary Iran through This exceptional opportunity has subjects such as contemporary history, Course Structure been a full-enriching experience Shi`a studies, politics, culture, literature to me, both on a academic as Students must complete a total of 32 well as human side. Those 6 and economics. They will have access credits, including 10 from core classes months taught me a lot on the to primary resources to allow them to and 16 from optional modules. The MA Iranian culture, its people and pursue their studies in topics of their dissertation is worth 6 credits. customs, while having multiple interest. opportunities to visit the country and make great friends. I would Core Modules (each equals 2 credits) recommend it to any curious, Entry Requirements Research Methodology open-minded, interested, or This program is only offered to International Politics adventurous person that wish to non-Iranian students. discover about this welcoming Principles of Shia Studies Candidates are required to have BA, Islamic Revolution of Iran and vivid culture that Iran BSc or an equivalent undergraduate possesses! International Relations, Globalization Lorene de Govion degree from a recognized higher and Regionalism 2017 Entry, from France education institute. 11 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Politics and Governance in Iran Dissertation Contemporary History of Iran Students must submit a 30,000-35,000 word dissertation on Political Geography of Iran a topic of their interest supervised by a professor from the Iranian Society and Culture University of Tehran (usually a FWS faculty member) during the final semester of their studies. The dissertation can be Optional Modules (each equals 2 credits) written in either Persian or English and must be defended Iran in Regional & before an independent examiner. International Organizations Iranian Ethnic Groups Political Economy of Iran Economy of Energy and This MA course at Natural Resources Tehran University, Iran and the Middle East combined with Iran and the Big Powers our chosen fieldwork and Contemporary Art and our freedom to Literature in Iran explore, give The Role and Development us access to of Media in Iran the inside story Iranian Studies Seminar of Iran. I can’t imagine this Advanced Persian (reading, would be possible comprehension, and academic in universities writing) based elsewhere. Sophia Tillie 2015 Entry, from UK 12 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Persian Language Courses
Duration: 2 years are facilitated by skilled teachers and supported by a variety of texts and Awarding Institute: Faculty of World Studies audio-visual learning tools. Students will Iranian Studies and Iranian Association for World Studies develop skills in the four learning areas Fellowship equipped me to understand the (reading, writing, speaking and listening), subject matter of the Course Description and throughout their studies will read Iranian Studies with an The Faculty of World Studies has its own newspapers, watch films, write essays and in-depth understanding Persian program that aims to develop be introduced to Persian handwriting. on Iran’s political, social the language skills required for the and economic aspects, foreign policy issues postgraduate courses offered by the faculty. Course Modules involved in the Middle All MA students including guest students Persian 1 East, and helped me to must participate in the Persian program Persian 2 study Persian language. I unless their language skills already exceed Advanced Persian (reading, am really thankful towards our advanced level class. comprehension, and academic writing) the Faculty of World Studies for this incredible These interactive and dynamic workshops experience. I am sure this intellectual journey will remain with me in the future too. Abhishek Chapanerkar 2017Entry, from India 13 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Entry Requirements Course Structure Guest Student Option This option is only available to non-Iranian Students may spend either students. one or two semesters Duration: 1-2 semesters Candidates are required to be enrolled in at the Faculty of World relevant post-graduate studies at a recognized Studies. Depending on Course Description higher education institute outside Iran. the requirements of their Guest students are invited to join our MA program Relevant fields of study include Iranian home institution, students and take part in foundation, core, elective and Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic are free to enrol in 4-7 Persian language classes as appropriate. They will Studies and International Relations. If you are modules per semester. be introduced to issues related to contemporary unsure about whether your course qualifies, Iran through subjects such as contemporary please contact us at [email protected] . history, Shi`a studies, politics, culture, literature Students for whom English is not their first and economics. They will have access to primary language must have at least IELTS 6.5, TOFEL resources to allow them to pursue their studies in 575 (paper based) or TOFEL 232 (computer topics of their interest. based) or equivalent qualifications. 14 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
PhD Iranian Studies
Duration: 4-5 years modules and a comprehensive exam, students will be required to Awarding Body: University of write an extensive PhD thesis on a Tehran subject of their own interest related Starting the PhD program at FWS as a foreign to Iranian studies. student is both an immense privilege and a Course Description huge challenge. The best part is being back at the faculty and seeing the familiar faces of the This PhD program is specifically Entry Requirements lecturers, staff and students who I met and designed and intended for non- Candidates are required to who helped me during my MA. It’s also great Iranian students and follows a have MA, MSc or an equivalent to be in a classroom with Iranian students and multi-disciplinary approach to post-graduate degree from a to be more connected to the local student Iranian studies. Candidates may recognized higher education life and culture. Trying to produce several thousand words in Farsi every week to satisfy choose to follow a “social/cultural” institute the continuous assessment requirements of the or “political/economic” orientation Students are required to be first 1.5 years of the program is a learning curve both in choosing class modules and proficient in both written and steeper than the telecabin line at Touchal and in writing their theses. spoken Persian even though at times it’s hard to see through the The PhD program at the University Students for whom English is layer of pollution produced by my language and other errors, I hope that with the patience and of Tehran takes up to four years, not their first language must help of my professors and classmates at FWS the with possibility of extension for have at least IELTS 7, TOFEL 600 day will come when I emerge into the sunshine a fifth year if necessary. During (paper based) or TOFEL 250 of competent academic Farsi and a better the first two years, students (computer based) or equivalent understanding of contemporary Iran. must pass nine modules in total. qualifications Janice Webster 2018 Entry, from Australia After successfully passing these Students whose MA degree does 15 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
not correspond with the program Optional Modules (each equals 2 credits) Dissertation or whose Persian language level is Iran and Globalization Students must complete a major insufficient for academic study may Cyberspace and Iran research project supervised by at be required to complete relevant Sociology of Women least two faculty members from foundation courses (see page 16) Ethnology in Contemporary Iran University of Tehran, and defended Iranian Cinema before a board of examiners. All PhD Course Structure Contemporary History of Iran candidates are required to be fluent Students must complete a total of 36 Iran’s Foreign Policy in Contemporary Era in Persian language and write their credits: 18 from taught modules of which Iranian Political Economy After the Islamic theses in Persian. 12 comprise core classes and 6 comprise Revolution optional modules. The PhD dissertation Economic Development of Iran itself is worth 18 credits. The History of Iranian Political Thought Core Modules (each equals 2 credits) Political Geography and Geopolitics of Iran Advanced Research Methodology A Critical Study on the Schools of Orientalism & Iranian Studies Political Changes in Contemporary Iran Theological, Political and Social Changes of Shi’ite Islam in Iran Cultural Studies of Iran Seminar on Iranian Issues 16 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Foundation Courses MA Foundation Courses PhD Foundation Courses Students may be required to complete three PhD candidates from disciplines other than of the following modules as part of the MA Iranian Studies are advised to complete three Iranian Studies: modules from the MA program (see pages Anthropology and Culture of Iran 10-11) to ensure they have pre-requisite History of Iran knowledge for the PhD program. Iran and Islam Students whose Persian language level is not History of Economics in Iran sufficient for the requirements of the course will need to complete the following Persian The Iranian Studies language modules before commencing their master program has PhD modules. (see page 12) given me a unique opportunity to have deep insights into Iranian society and culture. By attending Course Fees the program, I have learned a tremendous MA Iranian Studies amount, preparing me 3600 USD per annum to be able to work in an Iranian environment. PhD Iranian Studies Tim Rettig 3600 USD per annum 2016 Entry, from Germany Persian Language Courses 900 USD per annum 17 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
Key Dates Application deadline Guest students for Autumn Semester mid-April 2021 Guest students for Spring Semester mid-October 2021 Registration 2nd week of September Classes commence 3rd week of September Induction Sessions are offered during the first week of the semester. Additinal key dates can be found on the website. 18 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
My mission (by my company) Student Life in Iran was to acquire “regional expertise” Living in Tehran is both challenging and appealing. This busy, vibrant, so that I could work better in the future in relation to Iran metropolitan city is one of the most attractive cities in the Middle East, and the Middle East. alongside Istanbul, Cairo and Beirut. It might be known for heavy traffic With the classes, caring and air pollution, but the awesome views of the snowy mountain tops of professors and ambitious the Alborz range in the north as well as vast desert landscapes in the south young minds from other parts astonish Iranians and foreigners alike. Tehran is a modern capital serviced by of the World, I could learn and understand an international and domestic airport, hotels and conference facilities and its Iran much better than I had residents enjoy access to cinemas, theatres, sporting clubs, parks, museums, expected. shopping centres and restaurants. And I am certain this “MA in The University of Tehran has a young and active student population living in Iranian Studies” will stand dormitories close to the city centre served by nearby bookshops, cinemas, out among credentials of my resume down the career. restaurants and cafes. Each faculty has its own gym, canteen, photocopying YoungGyun Kim services, library and mosque. The university swimming pool (available to 2016 Entry, from South Korea men and women separately on designated days) is located very close to the Faculty of World Studies. Subsidized hot meals are available to students for less than a dollar per meal at faculty canteens. 19 University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
centers, libraries and mosques. Travel Opportunities Accommodation Regular and free buses transport Staying in Iran for two years provides Iranian students to and from dorms and the Studies students with an ideal base from which The UT Guest House university and between university to travel around Iran during holidays and on The university has its own guest house campuses. weekends. The Faculty of World Studies can help which is available to foreign students students book group trips at affordable rates. and visiting professors. It is located about two blocks from the university’s main campus, and provides a safe and peaceful atmosphere. New students can stay at the guest house upon arrival before their paperwork is complete and their student dorm is assigned.
Student Dorms The university has several dorms surrounding its campuses, the largest of which are located on North Kargar Street, close to the Faculty of World Studies. Together, these dormitories host around 10,000 students and extend to over 100 hectares including amenities such as gyms, theatres, restaurants, grocery and fruit and vegetable shops, counseling University of Tehran Faculty of World Studies
+98 (21) 8863 0999 +98 (21) 8863 0196 [email protected] https://fws.ut.ac.ir/en/