This course will introduce the historical, cultural and political context of the contemporary Iranian political, social, and economic situation as a part of the most dynamic region of the world. During the course, we will focus on the milestones in modern Iranian history, current global topics and the specific topics for the region (regional security, sanction economy, activism, human rights, Afghan and Pakistani migration, climate change impacts, political and religious conservatism, censorship, repression, proliferation of the weapons, proxy wars, alliances with the NSAs etc.).
We will put events and relations of the main political actors in the Iran into perspective. The course will try to explain the complicated ties and impacts of political and religious decisions. We will talk not only about major events in the region, but about the current challenges presented by the environmental changes, energy transitions, liberal and pro-democratic movements, human rights activism, the proliferation of weapons, and economic issues. The aim of the course is to introduce Iran as the one of the most important actors in the region; however, the course will contain current, crises, and influence on others in the region. Their foreign politics strongly impact global events.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to understand current Iranian politics and their role in the international environment; understand the complexity of Iranian foreign relations and explain the dynamics and impact of individual events; students will also be able to make well-supported arguments on the role of Iran in contemporary conflicts, crisis, and challenges in the region; and will be able to interpret individual events, political proclamations and crisis within context.
Course Requirements
1) Students are expected to read the required readings for each lecture. Compulsory readings for the course are to be found in the Study Materials folder of the Information System.
2) Students are expected to attend each lecture in person, with exceptions stated by the Masaryk University Study and Examination Regulations.
3) Presented PowerPoint presentations will be provided in the Study Materials folder of the Information System after each lecture.
4) The teacher has the right to adjust the course schedule during the semester.
AI-generated text is unacceptable, and the detection of such text will be subjected to plagiarism rules. It is possible to work with the information offered by AI, but it must be reformulated in one's own words, and using AI to create the final text is not possible. Language or translating apps as Grammarly or Google Translate are not considered AI, therefore can and SHOULD be used to improve the quality and comprehensiveness of the text.
Grading
The final grade will be calculated as a sum of four parts. The maximum is 50 points; the minimum to complete the course is 26 points.
The e-tests stand for 5 points each (10 points in total).
Group essay for 10 points, group presentation of the main points from the essay/discussion participation for 4 points, and actualities for bonus points.
Final exam for another 26 points (3 open questions).
The grade will be calculated as follows:
A | B | C | D | E | F |
50-46 | 45-41 | 40-36 | 35-31 | 30-26 | 25> |
5 ECTS (250 pages in English, two e-tests, final exam, essay)
Mid-term Test and Final Exam
The online mid-term tests have a single term and cannot be repeated. It consists of ten test questions to be answered in 3 minutes; for each test question, there is only one correct answer for a maximum of one point. The highest possible score is 5 points. The test cannot be repeated or taken at another time. For a medical emergency, please contact me, and provide the doctor's confirmation. There will be no exception for missed tests due to any other reason. Please be advised that the e-tests and presentation are the requirements obligatory for access to the final exam.
The final exam will take place at the FSS computer room in person and will be based on the lectures and readings. The students will have to prove their knowledge by answering three open questions via main points and discussing these topics; altogether the highest possible score for the final exam is 26 points. The final exam’s duration is 60 minutes. The exams will take place in person, during the exam period. Slots will be open at the beginning of May. There will be 3 available dates. Plan your other exams and schedule accordingly, please.
Group paper and presentation
Group assignments presentation and discussion: students will be divided into groups and will choose one of the topics related to Iranian politics and issues. The topic should bring your own opinions and position. Show creativity and in-depth thinking about the current issues, opportunities and challenges for Iranian internal as well as foreign policies. Feel free to share your recommendation, opinions and predictions based on the information available form the relevant sources. You can analyze current situation, focus on the influence of individual actors playing part and evaluate the impact, criticize or agree with the turn of events and propose solutions or predictions for the future development. The presentation will introduce you main points, thoughts and conclusion to your colleagues and start a discussion to let us all think about the topic.
Cheating and plagiarism
Teaching at FSS MU presupposes students know the study regulations and that they do not commit fraudulent fulfillment of study obligations, especially copying at exams and plagiarism, i.e., publishing other people's ideas and taking over the ideas of other authors without mentioning authorship. Plagiarism is one of the most serious ethical offenses in the academic environment, it denies the mission of the university and the meaning of study. From a legal point of view, plagiarism is the theft of someone else's intellectual property.
Under no circumstances can fraudulent fulfillment of study obligations be tolerated at FSS. Cases of fraudulent behavior will be punished according to their severity by a range of penalties, from deduction of points, non-recognition of adequate obligations in the course, and expulsion from the course to the strictest sanction, namely unconditional expulsion from the study. We encourage students to acquaint themselves with the problem of plagiarism and ways to avoid it.