SOC 370 State, Society, and Terrorism in Iran
This course will focus on the historical, political, social, and cultural driving forces behind Iranian state-sponsored terrorism. Key topics will include the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the creation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with particular focus on the IRGC - Quds Force, its former leader Qassem Suleimani, and its efforts to promote Iranian interests through terrorism. Other key topics will include the Sunni-Shia divide, Khomeini & the concept of Wilayat al-Faqih, the Shia Crescent, and familiarization with various Iranian proxy terrorist groups including Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and various groups operating in Iraq and elsewhere. This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career with a U.S. government agency such as FBI, DHS, or CIA, or to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of Iran and its efforts to promote terrorism throughout the world over the last 40 years.