University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

In the wake of the early Islamic conquests, between the seventh and twelfth centuries Iran was transformed into a predominantly Muslim society. Yet an Iranian identity with its roots in the pre-Islamic Sasanian empire and earlier was not forgotten. This module studies how Iranian and Islamic identity interacted and fused, creating a new culture expressed in the Persian language that was profoundly influential in the wider Islamic world, and was also adopted by the Turkish dynasties that dominated Iran from the eleventh century. Political, cultural and religious change in this formative period of Iranian history will be studied through both literary and material primary sources such as coins and inscriptions.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 15%
Coursework: 45%

Personnel