Topics in Iranian Literature

1 Credit · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This interdisciplinary course explores the rich cultural heritage of Iran through its most influential literary figures, visual artists, filmmakers, and musicians. Spanning classical foundations to modern expressions, the course examines how Iranian creative icons have shaped national identity, cultural memory, and global perceptions of Persian art and culture. Students will engage with the works of major poets such as Ferdowsi and Forough Farrokhzad, alongside landmark developments in Persian visual arts, calligraphy, and contemporary artistic movements. The course also introduces the evolution of Iranian music, highlighting the enduring legacy of Mohammad-Reza Shajarian as an icon of Persian classical and traditional music, as well as Googoosh as one of the most influential figures in Iranian popular music. In addition to classical and popular music traditions, the course examines contemporary musical developments, including Persian rap and hip-hop as significant forms of cultural expression and social commentary, with attention to pioneering artists such as Hichkas and Yas, as well as influential groups such as Zedbazi. In addition, the course examines the international impact of Iranian cinema through the works of acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, whose films helped establish Iranian cinema as a major force in world cinema and Marjane Satrapy who is an Iranian art icon in diaspora. Through close readings, visual analysis and documentary screenings students will gain an understanding of how literature, art, cinema, and music in Iran intersect with philosophy, spirituality, politics, and everyday life. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze major works, identify key cultural themes, and articulate the enduring significance of Iranian artistic expression across centuries. This 1-credit course will be taught in English over 10 class meetings.