LIB487
A Virtual Tour of Iran and the Caucasus
Join us on an extraordinary journey, where we'll explore both Iran and the diversity of the Caucasus region, discussing geography, history and cultural heritage. The Caucasus lies on the border of Europe and Asia, between the Black and the Caspian seas. It has been an arena for political, military, religious and cultural rivalries for centuries. The Caucasus includes the first nation to adopt Christianity as state religion—Armenia—and has been ruled by Ottomans, Mongols and Persians. Unified under Soviet rule, the region separated again in 1991, as Georgia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia became independent nations. Territorial disputes have continued to present day.
A $50 discount will be applied automatically for adults 55+.
This course will be offered online on Tuesdays, Jan 14–Feb 18, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced with weekly virtual class
Duration: 6 weeks
Tuition: $180
Can be applied to:
Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
- Tue, Jan 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Jan 21, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Jan 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Feb 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Feb 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Feb 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
Course outline
- Weeks 1 and 2: Iran
There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Iran. We will explore archaeological sites of ancient Persia and Mesopotamia, enjoy the beauty of Persian gardens, explore cities steeped in ancient traditions and visit the Armenian monastic ensembles, located in northern Iran. We will admire masterpieces of Islamic architecture in Ardabil, Tabriz, Yazd, Esfahan and Kashan, and look at modern Tehran. Discover the real Iran, home of a warm and fascinating people living within an ancient and sophisticated culture. - Week 3: An overview of the Caucasus
We explore the geography and lengthy history of the independent sovereign states, located along the southern Caucasus, a region at the border of Europe and Asia between the Black and the Caspian seas, and home to the Caucasus Mountains. - Week 4: Georgia
During the classical era, several independent kingdoms were established in what is now Georgia. The kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia adopted Christianity in the early 4th century. We discover Georgia’s historic capital Tbilisi, the wine-growing countryside of Kakheti, the Vardzia cave-monastery and the Bagrati cathedral. We visit Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the historical monuments of Mtskheta, Gelati Monastery and Upper Svaneti, the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. - Weeks 5 and 6: Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia
Discover Azerbaijan, a country in the Transcaucasian region, situated at the crossroads of southwest Asia and southeastern Europe. We’ll see the walled city of Baku, with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower; the city of Sheki; as well as the Gobustan rock art cultural landscape. We also explore Nagorno-Karabakh, a region inhabited by ethnic Armenians that recently is back in Azeri hands.
Armenia is a country featuring an ancient cultural heritage. It became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion. We start at the foot of Mt. Ararat, see Yerevan, the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, Lake Sevan, the cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin, ancient Zvartnots and the monastery of Geghard, and the Upper Azat Valley. We then head east to see the world’s oldest winery and the wonderful monasteries of Norovank and Tatev.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Identify several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Appreciate the great diversity of historical, cultural and natural attractions of the region
- Get insights useful to travellers to these places
How you will learn
- Participation in Zoom lectures
- Supplementary online resources
- Participation in written discussions with other students
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.