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OUR DREAM OUR VISION OUR SOLUTION To benefit the community at large by To encourage a healthy To create an interdisciplinary fostering greater social harmony and exchange of ideas inspired Iranian Studies degree offered IRANIAN STUDIES AT USC progress through an accurate and objective by academia across by USC with support from the understanding of Iran and Iranian Culture. Southern California cultures. Farhang Foundation community. TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW 38 Iran Through Books at the 2016 L.A. Times Festival of Books The Iranian Studies Initiative has brought together a 6 Why Iranian Studies? 39 Iranian Music Workshop (Tasnif) by Kourosh Taghavi 7 Why Now? 40 Maryama Band: Secret Diaries of a Middle Eastern Mermaid forward-thinking university and a vibrant community. 8 Why Farhang Foundation? 41 A Tribute to Abbas Kiarostami 9 Why USC? 42 Photographic Self-Representation in Iran: A Lecture It has energized and invigorated our program and by Prof. Ali Behdad ACCOMPLISHMENTS 43 Fifth Annual PACSA Celebration Night with Musical 10 Timeline Guest Karmandan allowed us to imagine new horizons for Iranian 12 Class Schedule 44 The Intersection of Past & Present in Iranian Art: A Lecture by Dr. Linda Komaroff 13 Student Enrollment 45 Creative Writing Workshop: Hossein Abkenar Studies at USC and beyond. The commitment and 14 Project Phases 46 USC Iranian Studies Major Program Signing Celebration 15 Meet Two of Our Seniors 48 Iran Through Books at the 2017 L.A. Times Festival of Books dedication of those involved bodes well for the future. EVENTS 49 Spotlight on Iran’s Nuclear Deal 16 Academic Open House 51 Starless Dreams RAMZI ROUIGHI 17 An Afternoon with Noureddin Zarrin-Kelk: 52 A Thousand Nights Under Stars: Nightscape The Father of Iranian Animation Photography Talk & Workshop by Babak Tafreshi Chair, Department of Middle East Studies 18 Lecture Series 53 An Exploration of Iranian Dance with Farzaneh Kaboli 19 Cyrus Cylinder: Modern Myths and Ancient Realities 20 Creative Writing Workshop with Abbas Maroufi OTHER INITIATIVES 21 Hamlet, Prince of Grief 54 Middle Eastern Film Series 22 Lecture & Writing Workshop with Masoud Behnoud 55 PACSA – Persian Academic & Cultural Student Association at USC 23 The Annual Celebration of Iranian-Trojan Achievements by PACSA (2014) 56 Persian Learner: Elementary Persian for College Students by Peyman Nojoumian 24 USC Dornsife – Farhang Foundation Iranian Studies Initiative Lecture Series 57 Persian Tea Table 25 USC Creative Writing Workshop by Nima Dehghani 58 Animation Trends in Iran After the Revolution by Pouya Afshar 26 Interactive Music Workshop with Kourosh Taghavi 59 Karimi Hakkak – Continuity and Creativity: Models of Change in Persian Poetry, Classical and Modern 27 The 1953 Coup Revisited and the Roots of Modern U.S.-Iranian Relations 60 Visiting Professors Program 28 From France to Iran: French Orientalism & the Persian Court 61 Annual Celebration Concert with a Performance by Sara Naeini & Ensemble 29 Inaugural Farhang Foundation USC Iranian Studies Initiative Conference: Iranian Culture & Diaspora 62 The Cypress Club 30 2015 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC 63 Teaching Persian in the 21st Century 31 Workshop on Traditional Iranian Music 64 Future Events 32 Sibarg Ensemble Concert: Persian/Jazz Improvisation PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 33 The Annual Celebration of Iranian-Trojan 66 Iranian Studies Initiative Supporters Achievements by PACSA (2015) 69 An Unprecedented Success 34 Iran’s Post-Sanctions Economy: Challenges and Opportunities 70 Farhang Foundation Mission 35 Reza Deghati: The Power of Photography for Humanity 71 Farhang Foundation Areas of Focus, Constituencies 36 USC Dornsife – Farhang Foundation 2nd Annual Distinguished Lecture Series: Hamid Nafici 72 Our Team 37 Mojgan Shajarian: The Joy of Iranian Classical Music 73 How You Can Help 4 5 OVERVIEW Why IRANIAN STUDIES? Why NOW? We believe a knowledge of the Persian language along with an We live at an interesting juncture in time. On one hand, hardly a day goes by that one doesn’t see, objective understanding of Iran’s historical, cultural, and socioeconomic hear, or read about the social, cultural, and political tensions around the world. On the other hand, background will be an invaluable asset to any individual or entity active we know that the Millennials are a generation of hyper connected multiculturalists: they are aware in foreign diplomacy, economics, energy, academia, and/or defense. of, and curious or fascinated by, other cultures and countries. However, the benefits of having a comprehensive Iranian Studies program Iran, thanks to its geopolitical position, has always been a significant player in the Middle East at a prestigious academic institution such as USC extend well beyond region. As this country continues to play a more active role in both regional and global economic these practical applications. and political arenas, the inherent advantage of cultivating a deeper understanding of its rich With this program, young Iranian Americans in diaspora can reclaim their culture and customs becomes increasingly apparent. cultural identity. It gives them a chance to help preserve the language of So the timing seems quite perfect for this partnership between Farhang Foundation’s Iranian Studies their parents, grandparents, and ancestors. It makes it possible for them to Council and USC. Together, these two entities, with the support of the community, can champion learn about their rich heritage and reconnect with their roots. And more and lead on the path to greater social harmony and progress through fostering an accurate and importantly, it helps to bridge the differences and strengthen communities objective understanding of Iran and Iranian Culture. by sharing Iran’s culture, literature, and history with non-Iranians. I am from China, currently living in Los Angeles. I am a student in USC’s I don’t think any student who wants to graduate with a Iranian Studies program. I would love to visit Iran one day, especially degree in Middle East Studies can really think of him/herself interested in visiting Isfahan because after all, Isfahan is ‘half the world’! as well-educated about the Middle East region without some grasp, some understanding of current Iranian culture, politics, and history. Laurie Brand Zesheng (Jason) Chen 6 7 Why FARHANG FOUNDATION? Why USC? Farhang Foundation believes that the most immediate and enduring way to preserve USC is one of the most influential universities in experienced by state institutions. This means Iranian heritage and honor its culture, history, and language is through education. Southern California, with a solid reputation as greater freedom and flexibility by the faculty and the training ground for global leaders, future administrators to grow and adapt the program In 2010, with the generous and passionate support of a group of Iranian Americans who innovators, and change agents. This university has based on the students’ changing needs. This is a shared the same belief, Farhang Foundation’s Iranian Studies Council was created. also been the academic hub of a large number critical advantage to help ensure the success of of Iranian students, professors, administrators, our program. This Council’s principal task was to develop the first comprehensive Iranian Studies alumni, and donors since the early 1970s. program at a premiere private research university in Los Angeles. USC was our choice. USC is one of the most diverse universities in So when it came to choosing an academic the country, and many international students The most impactful way of celebrating and communicating Iran’s partner for the Iranian Studies program, USC was the ideal choice. It shared our vision and who take Iranian Studies classes can use that culture is by sharing its heritage and history through education. ambition, and it could ensure our success. To our knowledge when they go back to their countries to And at its core, this is what Farhang Foundation is about. delight, USC eagerly welcomed our proposal. establish relationships with Iran in various fields, maybe in politics, in international relations, and Iranian Studies at USC will be the lasting legacy of Farhang. The Iranian Studies program at USC is unique in that it offers a broader focus on Medieval and business, and this will enrich the international Haleh Emrani Modern Iran. Furthermore, as a successful private community, not only for the region but as a globe. university, USC is free of the typical constraints Hani Khafipour 8 9 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OCT 29, 2010 JAN 31, 2012 APR 22, 2013 OCT 13, 2013 SPRING 2014 Signing Ceremony: The Republic of the Iran and the Caucasus: A Long- Cyrus Cylinder: Modern Dr. Linda Komaroff Phase I [pg 14] Imagination: An Evening Standing Legacy of Historical Myths and Ancient presented a lecture on with Azar Nafisi [pg 18] and Cultural Ties, a talk by Dr. Realities [pg 19] the art of illuminated Kaveh Farrokh [pg 18] manuscripts [pg 60] NOV 2010 JUN 2011 Farhang Foundation’s OCT 27, 2013 NOV 23, 2014 USC Dornsife College names OCT 1, 2012 SEP 13, 2013 NOV 3-4, 2014 SPRING 2014 The Annual Celebration of Iranian Studies Initiative Dr. Majid Naini: Rumi’s Hamlet, Prince of Dr. Peyman Nojoumian USC Visions & Voices Two talks by Rudi Kurosh Valanejad Iranian-Trojan Achievements Official Launch [pg 14] Discoveries and Magical Grief [pg 18] Assistant Professor of the presented an Evening with Matthee [pg 24] gave an interactive by PACSA (2014) [pg 23] Prescription of World Teaching of Persian [pg 14] Prof. Dick Davis [pg 60] lecture [pg 60] Peace [pg 18] 2010 2011 2 012 2 013 2 014 2 015 SEP 25, 2011 An Afternoon with FALL 2013 NOV 2-17, 2013 APR 27-28, 2014 NOV 15-16, 2014 MAR 7, 2015 Professor Domenico Creative Writing Noureddin Zarrin-Kelk: APRIL 7, 2013 JUNE 19, 2013 Lecture & Writing USC Creative Writing Interactive Music FEB 2011 Ingenito discussed Workshop with Abbas The Father of Iranian The Discourse of Signing Ceremony: Workshop with Masoud Workshop by Nima Workshop with Kourosh Farhang Foundation’s Sa’di’s work [pg 60] Maroufi [pg 20] Animation [pg 17] Modernity in Iran, a Phase II [pg 14] Behnoud [pg 22] Dehghani [pg 25] Taghavi [pg 26] Phase I Kickoff lecture by Dr.