Women in Modern Iranian Literature and Cinema

Catalog description

In this freshman seminar, we’ll delve into texts and films produced by Iranian women writers and filmmakers. We will explore a diverse range of genres and periods—from the early modern era to the present day. Through these works, we’ll examine how female authors and filmmakers assert agency, autonomy, and dissent in the face of social injustices. Our weekly sessions will be grounded in critical, film, and literary theory, drawing on influential women thinkers to deepen our understanding. Together, we’ll ask thought-provoking questions: What defines “women’s writing”? What are the strengths and limitations of categorizing literature by gender? How do women portray their lived experiences, and how does their storytelling intersect with politics, class, and race? Through close readings and discussions, we’ll gain insight into the dreams, struggles, and resilience of Iranian women writers and artists—viewing the world through their own perspectives and voices.