History of Iran and Afghanistan 1 3600-7-IR1-HIA1
FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The prehistoric period and early pre- and proto-urban settlements in the Iranian Plateau area (among others Teppeh Sialk). Discovery of traces of a developed civilization in the site near the city of Jiroft in the Kerman Province giving rise to the essential change in views regarding the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. Rise of early great settled literate civilizations, especially the civilization of Elam in the southwest part of Iran. Ethnic and cultural developments due to arrival of the Indo-European-speaking people (the Aryans). Early historical accounts on Medes and Persians and consequently the rise of first long-lasting Iranian states. The Median State and Achaemenid Kingdom being the first multiethnic and multicultural transregional empires. Political, social, and economic history of the Persian Empire from Cyrus the Great to Darius III Codomannus. The issue of origins of Cyrus and his ancestors. Darius' rise to power and the collateral branch of the Achaemenid dynasty. Controversy over Darius’ lineage. Alexander the Great’s invasion and the fall of the Persian Empire. Post-Macedonian period and the Seleucid Kingdom in Iran, the hellenization of Iranian elites and their culture.
The development and evolution of the Parthian state of Arcacids, their rising domination and reclaiming the Iranian Plateau and Mesopotamia from Seleucids. Conflict with Rome and permanent contest between the Roman Republic and later on the Roman Empire and Iran. Significance of the Arsacid period in Iran’s history, final decline of the Achaemenian tradition and replacing it with a new historical and cultural identity.
Origins of house of Sasan and decline of the Arsacids. Ardashir Pabagan, the founder of the Sasanian dynasty. Political, social, and economic history of the Sasanian Empire from the beginning to Peroz. Wars with Rome and dispute on Armenia. Unrest on the Eastern border and raids of Turkic peoples from Central Asia on Iran. Mazdakite movement and the restoration of royal power. Kavad and Anoushirvan’s reforms and internal situation of the Empire. Khosro Parvez, wars with the Byzantine Empire, Iran’s territorial acquisitions in Asia Minor, occupation of Palestine and Egypt and its aftermath. Exhausting conflicts and internal disorder, social and economic troubles, financial standing of the Sassanian Kingdom in 7th century A.D. The greatest achievements of the Iranian civilization under the Sasanians.
Arabs before Islam, Ghassanids and Lakhmids. Religious and political mission of the Prophet Mohammad and unification of tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. Early raids against Iran and Byzantium. Next incursions in Iran and the fall of the last Sasanian king. Arab conquests in Central Asia and spreading Islam in Iran. End of sovereignty: Iran as a part of the Islamic Empire.
The Umayyads and organization of the new empire partly on the Iranian model. Rise to power of the Abbasids and growing position of non-Arab element within the Caliphate. Role of the Shiite Islam. Iran under several independent states (emirates) officially recognizing Caliphate’s preponderance. Political emancipation of Iranian elites. Struggle for keeping ethnic and cultural identity and integrity as well as gaining Persia's own place within the political and cultural realm of Islam. This period is marked by rivalry between emirates of the Eastern Caliphate.
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Term 2023Z:
FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The prehistoric period and early pre- and proto-urban settlements in the Iranian Plateau area (among others Teppeh Sialk). Discovery of traces of a developed civilization in the site near the city of Jiroft in the Kerman Province giving rise to the essential change in views regarding the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. Rise of early great settled literate civilizations, especially the civilization of Elam in the southwest part of Iran. Ethnic and cultural developments due to arrival of the Indo-European-speaking people (the Aryans). Early historical accounts on Medes and Persians and consequently the rise of first long-lasting Iranian states. The Median State and Achaemenid Kingdom being the first multiethnic and multicultural transregional empires. Political, social, and economic history of the Persian Empire from Cyrus the Great to Darius III Codomannus. The issue of origins of Cyrus and his ancestors. Darius' rise to power and the collateral branch of the Achaemenid dynasty. Controversy over Darius' lineage. Alexander the Great’s invasion and the fall of the Persian Empire. Post-Macedonian period and the Seleucid Kingdom in Iran, the hellenization of Iranian elites and their culture. |
Term 2024Z:
FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The prehistoric period and early pre- and proto-urban settlements in the Iranian Plateau area (among others Teppeh Sialk). Discovery of traces of a developed civilization in the site near the city of Jiroft in the Kerman Province giving rise to the essential change in views regarding the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. Rise of early great settled literate civilizations, especially the civilization of Elam in the southwest part of Iran. Ethnic and cultural developments due to arrival of the Indo-European-speaking people (the Aryans). Early historical accounts on Medes and Persians and consequently the rise of first long-lasting Iranian states. The Median State and Achaemenid Kingdom being the first multiethnic and multicultural transregional empires. Political, social, and economic history of the Persian Empire from Cyrus the Great to Darius III Codomannus. The issue of origins of Cyrus and his ancestors. Darius' rise to power and the collateral branch of the Achaemenid dynasty. Controversy over Darius’ lineage. Alexander the Great’s invasion and the fall of the Persian Empire. Post-Macedonian period and the Seleucid Kingdom in Iran, the hellenization of Iranian elites and their culture. |
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
KNOWLEDGE:
- has basic knowledge in the range of theory of humanities (literary studies or linguistics or history) necessary to understand chosen cultural aspects;
- has detailed and organized knowledge of history of Iran and Afghanistan;
- has detailed and organized knowledge of Persian art and aesthetics [K_W08];
- has detailed and organized knowledge of socio-cultural issues in Iran and Afghanistan within the scope of natural environment and ethnic, demographic and political situation;
- has organized knowledge of natural, geopolitical and economic environment and their importance for the historical and contemporary situation in Iran and Afghanistan;
- is aware of the linguistic variety and its influence on the cultural and political situation of the world;
- knows and understands basic analysis and interpretation methods of various products of culture characteristic of chosen theories and schools of research within the scope of literary studies, linguistics, philosophy, and history.
SKILLS:
- can indicate sources of cultural differences between the countries of the Orient;
- can use the knowledge of history of Iran and Afghanistan to analyze and interpret events taking place in the modern world;
- can appropriately place Iran and Afghanistan in the context of circumstances pertinent to natural, geopolitical and economic environment;
- can use the knowledge of socio-cultural issues of Iran and Afghanistan in typical professional situations;
- has a skill in presenting detailed aspects within the scope of cultural issues of Iran in Polish and Persian languages taking into consideration the intellectual tradition of Iran and Afghanistan.
COMPETENCE:
- understands the need to learn all one’s life;
- can set appropriate goals and ways to achieve them in the context of academic, professional and social activity;
- has awareness of the cultural distinctness and its religious, philosophical, traditional and historical roots and its significance for understanding modern world;
- sees the need of dialogue between cultures;
- is aware of significance the Iranian and Afghan cultures have for the culture of the world;
- acts in aid of sharing and promoting cultural and linguistic heritage of Iran and Afghanistan.
Assessment criteria
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA:
- continuous assessment;
- dedicated paper (if needed);
- attendance control;
- oral examination.
Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The Cambridge History of Iran, t. I-III, Cambridge 1968-1985
T. Daryaee, Sassanian Persia: The Rise and fall of an Empire, London 2009
N.C. Debevoise, A Political History of Parthia, Chicago 1938
R.N. Frye, The Golden Age of Persia: The Arabs in the East, London 1975
R.N. Frye, The Heritage of Persia, London 1962
R.N. Frye, The History of Ancient Iran, München 1983
A. Krasnowolska (red.), Historia Iranu, Ossolineum 2010, cz. I-II
M. J. Olbrycht, Aleksander Wielki i świat irański, Rzeszów 2004
A.T. Olmstead, History of the Persian Empire, Chicago-London 1963
B. Składanek, Historia Persji, t. 1-2, Warszawa 2008
J. D. Sourdel, La civilisation de l'islam classique, Paris 1968
J. Wolski, Dzieje i upadek imperium Seleucydów, 1999
J. Wolski, L’Empire des Arsacides, Leyden 1992
A selection of bibliography suggested by the lecturer.
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Term 2023Z:
BIBLIOGRAPHY: |
Term 2024Z:
The Cambridge History of Iran, t. I-III, Cambridge 1968-1985 |
Additional information
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