BSC Library Resources on Iran

The BSC Library has added many resources on Iran (a subject search of "Iran" currently brings back 109 results) in a variety of formats (books, e-books, DVDs).

This new book sounds particularly interesting:

Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn by Jamie Maslin
DS259.2 .M38 2009

"Iran looms large in the psyche of modern America. For decades, it has been "the enemy," its government taunting us and attacking our Western, secular lifestyle. That is largely the Iranian government, however, not the Iranian people. Here's the proof. When Jamie Maslin decides to backpack the entire length of the Silk Road, he decides to travel first and plan later. Then, unexpectedly stranded in a country he's only read about in newspapers, he decides to make the best of it-but wonders whether he'll make it out alive. Maslin finds himself suddenly plunged into a subversive, contradictory world of Iranian subculture, where he is embraced by locals who are more than happy to show him the true Iran as they see it-the one where unmarried men and women mingle in Western clothes at secret parties, where alcohol (the possession of which is punishable by hand-amputation) is readily available on the black market, where Christian churches are national heritage sites, and where he discovers the real meaning of friendship, nationality, and hospitality. This is a hilarious, charming, and astonishing account of one Westerner's life-altering rambles across Iran that will leave you wondering what else you don't know about Iran and its people." -- Publisher's description

Check it out!

Speaking of Iran ...

Today (October 6, 2009) over the noon hour, five speakers shared their perspectives and personal stories of Iran in the Prairie Room of the Student Union Building.

Guest speakers

• Dr. Perry Hornbacher, who teaches history at BSC, shared information about 20th century Iranian history as it related to some of the events described in The Complete Persepolis.
• Dr. Daphne Ghorbani, who teaches education at the University of Mary, told us about her experiences in Tehran as an English teacher. She arrived in August 1978 -- the beginning of very turbulent times in Iran -- and stayed until she was evacuated by the U.S. Embassy in 1979.
• Abdullah Ali, originally from Kurdistan, shared some of his personal experiences from living in Iran as a refugee in the mid-1970s. Mr. Ali taught high school in Isfahan and emigrated to North Dakota 33 years ago.
• Arlene Gray, who teaches music at BSC, told about her experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran from 1970-1972. She lived in Babol, a town near the Caspian Sea.
• Marv Mutzenberger, who teaches religion at BSC, provided background information about Muhammad, Islam, and the Koran.

Outstanding!

2009 Campus Read Annotated Bibliography

Has reading The Complete Persepolis sparked your interest in Iran?

To learn more about Iran and its history, culture, politics, and people, check out the 2009 Campus Read annotated bibliography -- a sampling of books, eBooks, films, and websites to explore.

Most of the items listed are available at the BSC Library.