Assal Rad

Cohort Year: 2012
Degrees:
B.A., University of California, Irvine, 2005, Psycho
Ph.D University of California, Irvine, 2018

Curriculum Vitae

Advisor: Dr. Touraj Daryaee
First Field: Middle East
Second Field: World   
Thematic Emphasis: Imperialism, Orientalism, Identity

Dissertation Title:
"Identity and Popular Culture in Post-Revolutionary Iran"

Research Abstract:
My research seeks to examine identity politics in modern Iran. While looking at nationalist rhetoric during the Pahlavi regime (1925-1979) to provide some context is significant, I intend to focus my investigation on the post revolutionary period. First, it will look at discussions of cultural and identity theory. By offering a background in theory it will provide a general framework to consider the case of Iran. Rather than focusing on what makes Iran unique, my work will start with what makes it similar to other nation-states and work its way into distinctions. Second, it will draw on these theories to assess how the Iranian state, under the Islamic regime, works to build a specific picture of “Iranianess” or Iranian identity. Third, this research will investigate how Iranian identity manifests within popular culture, which includes music, films, and historical narratives.