The 1979 Iranian Revolution changed the identity of Iran, and in many ways, the Middle East as a whole. High schoolers learn more about the Persian region, history, and government in a brief but explanatory video from Crash Course World History.

Concepts

iran, the middle east, islam, iraq

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign the video for homework after a discussion about Iranian history
• Show news clips from 1978 and 1979 about the beginnings of the revolution, particularly about the Iran Hostage Crisis
• Arrange a viewing of the film Persepolis (2007) or project samples from Marjane Satrapi's comic strip

Classroom Considerations

• Addresses the past few centuries of Persian history, but focuses on twentieth century Iran and its history of political upheaval
• Helpful if learners have prior knowledge of Iran and the events leading to the 1979 revolution
• Comment section contains strongly worded opinions; consider showing the video in full screen to avoid showing the comments
• Animation portrays protestors being shot

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides thoughtful depth and details to the basic knowledge high schoolers may have about Iran
• Explains how Iran's government has changed since the revolution and its current place in modern politics

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.9-10.4 RH.9-10.9 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3 RH.11-12.4 RH.11-12.9