Day 5 - The Islamic Republic and Its Challenges

Today the Islamic Republic of Iran is an important player in the Middle East with vast influence over the politics and economy of the region. Despite that it still faces many internal and external challenges. There are threats coming from various regional and global powers, while at the same time the government tries to manage the difficult situation at home, where the difficult economic and social issues trouble the Iranian society. It would be interesting where all of this is heading. In today’s class we will read the final part of Abrahamian’s book and watch a discussion about the gains and loses faced by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Reading: On pages 337-339 of “A History of Modern Iran” by Yervand Abrahamian, students will read the author’s reflections on Iran’s the historical position of Iran at the beginning of the 21st century. 

Listening: A discussion about the gains and losses of the Iranian Revolution, 45 years after it occured, and the path Iran has taken and has ahead. 

Subject of Conversation: What the future holds for Iran? (آینده ایران چطور خواهد بود؟)

Students will be divided into two groups to debate the question “What does the future hold for Iran?” One group will take an optimistic view, envisioning a positive trajectory for the country, while the other will present a more pessimistic outlook based on current challenges and historical patterns. Each group will prepare key arguments and respond to opposing points. This structured debate will help students improve their ability to express contrasting opinions, use future tense structures, and apply historical-political vocabulary.

Homework: To be determined. 

Weekend Presentation: For next week’s presentation, students should prepare a 10-minute talk about a specific event in recent Iranian history. The presentation will be followed by a brief Q&A and discussion with classmates. This activity will help students strengthen their ability to narrate historical events, organize ideas clearly, and use precise political and historical vocabulary in Persian.