Iran, A Persian Tapestry

UBC continuing studies offers a course about Iran, A Persian Tapestry,
Oct 14-Nov 25, '04
http://reg.cstudies.ubc.ca/courses_long.cfm?groupid=UP&description=Communi

A Persian Tapestry
UP 296 F04
The prevailing view of contemporary Iran is that of a nation at odds with the secular, western world. We tend to forget - or overlook - the incredibly rich history of the Persian civilization which over the centuries has had an impact far beyond its borders; influencing other civilizations such as Europe, China, India and Islam.
From the rise of the world's first farming society in the Zagros mountains, through the rule of Iranian civilizations such as the Mede, Achaemenid, Parthan, and Kushan Empires, to the legacy of the visionary poet Rumi, this series will explore the culture, literature, politics, art and architecture of this fascinating area. The broad tapestry will include examples such as the world’s first hospital, the antecedents of the modern guitar,the role of climatic and socio-economic conditions on traditional architecture, and the Alan legend of Batraz (which influenced the legend of King Arthur). We will also explore the genesis and evolution of Shiite religion and the growth of a vibrant grassroots secular movement which includes an understated yet powerful feminist voice.

Join our distinguished speakers as they weave the threads to create a multi-coloured tapestry for your elucidation and delight.

World Civilization and Persia's Silent Legacy (Part 1)
DR. KAVEH FARROKH specializes in the cognitive and linguistics of Persian and Iranian languages, as well as Pre-Islamic Persia. His most recent book is on Sassanian Cavalry.

Rumi: The Most Eminent Persian Mystic Poet
DR. MEHDI MESHGINI is a Professor at Columbia College. His book"William Blake" is a penetrating study of Blake's poetry rendered into Persian.

World Civilization and Persia's Silent Legacy (Part 2)
DR. KAVEH FARROKH

Secularism in Iran Today
DR. HAMMED SHAHIDIAN is Chair/Associate Professor, Sociology, University of Illinois. Two recent books are on Gender Politics in post-revolutionary Iran and Emerging Voices in the Iranian Women’s Movement.

The Construction and Disputation of a Safavid Shi'ism
DR. DERRYL MACLEAN, Associate Professor in SFU’s Department of History, has written widely on the pre-modern history of the larger Persian world.

Architecture without Architect
FOAD RAFII, M.Arch, MAIBC, MAAA, MRAIC, was educated in Iran, Norway and US (Harvard), and is credited as being one of the ten architects who shaped today’s Vancouver. His firm was the recipient of the British Columbia Heritage Award.

6 Thursdays, Oct 14-Nov 25 (no class Nov 11) 7:30-9:00 pm, UBC Robson Square.
$90+GST=$96.30.
Robson Square , 800 Robson St , Vancouver $90.00 plus GST