Module #1 Introduction to the Sassanian Empire Overview of the Sassanian Empire, its history, and significance in the ancient world
Module #2 Zoroastrianism in the Sassanian Empire Foundations of Zoroastrianism, its evolution, and its role as the state religion of the Sassanian Empire
Module #3 The Sassanian Empire and Zoroastrian Scripture Analysis of the Avesta, its composition, and its significance in Sassanian religious life
Module #4 The Sassanian Empire and the Priestly Class The role of magi (Zoroastrian priests) in Sassanian society, their functions, and influence
Module #5 The Impact of Zoroastrianism on Sassanian Culture Exploration of how Zoroastrianism shaped Sassanian art, architecture, and literature
Module #6 Minority Religions in the Sassanian Empire Introduction to minority religions in the Sassanian Empire, including Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism
Module #7 Judaism in the Sassanian Empire History of Jewish communities in the Sassanian Empire, their interactions with Zoroastrians, and their cultural contributions
Module #8 Christianity in the Sassanian Empire The early Christian Church in the Sassanian Empire, its persecution, and its contributions to Sassanian culture
Module #9 Buddhism in the Sassanian Empire Buddhist influences in the Sassanian Empire, trade and cultural exchange with India, and the impact on Sassanian art and literature
Module #10 The Sassanian Empire and its Neighbors The Sassanian Empires interactions with neighboring cultures, including the Roman Empire, the Huns, and the Chinese Empire
Module #11 War and Religion in the Sassanian Empire The role of war in Sassanian religious ideology, the concept of holy war, and the impact of warfare on Sassanian society
Module #12 Women and Religion in the Sassanian Empire The role of women in Sassanian religious life, their participation in rituals, and their social status
Module #13 The Sassanian Empire and Slavery The institution of slavery in the Sassanian Empire, its perpetuation, and its abolition
Module #14 Sassanian Art and Architecture The development of Sassanian art and architecture, its characteristics, and its reflection of Zoroastrian ideology
Module #15 Sassanian Literature and Poetry The literary achievements of the Sassanian Empire, including the Shahnameh, and their reflection of Zoroastrian themes
Module #16 The Decline of the Sassanian Empire The factors leading to the decline of the Sassanian Empire, including internal conflicts, external pressures, and economic instability
Module #17 The Legacy of the Sassanian Empire The lasting impact of the Sassanian Empire on Middle Eastern and world cultures, including its influence on Islamic civilization
Module #18 Comparative Analysis:Sassanian Empire and Other Ancient Empires Comparison of the Sassanian Empire with other ancient empires, including the Roman Empire, the Persian Empire, and the Chinese Empire
Module #19 The Sassanian Empire and Modern Iran The relevance of the Sassanian Empire to modern Iranian identity, politics, and culture
Module #20 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Intercultural Exchange In-depth analysis of a specific example of intercultural exchange in the Sassanian Empire, such as the reception of Greek philosophy
Module #21 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Religious Toleration In-depth analysis of a specific example of religious toleration in the Sassanian Empire, such as the treatment of Jewish communities
Module #22 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Imperial Administration In-depth analysis of the administrative structures and policies of the Sassanian Empire, including its provincial organization and taxation systems
Module #23 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Economic Systems In-depth analysis of the economic systems of the Sassanian Empire, including its trade networks, agriculture, and commerce
Module #24 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Social Hierarchy In-depth analysis of the social hierarchy of the Sassanian Empire, including its aristocracy, peasantry, and slavery
Module #25 Case Study:The Sassanian Empire and Environmental History In-depth analysis of the environmental history of the Sassanian Empire, including its impact on the natural environment and climate change
Module #26 Research Methods for Studying the Sassanian Empire Introduction to research methods and sources for studying the Sassanian Empire, including primary sources, archaeological evidence, and literary analysis
Module #27 Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Study of the Sassanian Empire Exploration of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the Sassanian Empire, including history, archaeology, anthropology, and literature
Module #28 Debates and Controversies in Sassanian Studies Analysis of ongoing debates and controversies in the field of Sassanian studies, including interpretations of Zoroastrianism and the nature of the Sassanian Empire
Module #29 The Sassanian Empire in Popular Culture Exploration of the Sassanian Empires representation in popular culture, including literature, film, and video games
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Religion and Culture in the Sassanian Empire career
