Alireza Ahmadian Lectures
Alireza Ahmadian Lectures in Iranian and Persianate Studies
Honoring: Alireza Ahmadian (1981–2019)
Location: UBC Department of Asian Studies (various venues, Pacific Time)
The Alireza Ahmadian Lectures commemorate the legacy of Alireza Ahmadian, a dedicated UBC alumnus, respected socio-political analyst, and advocate for diplomatic dialogue and liberal democracy. Renamed in his honor in 2019, this lecture series reflects his commitment to fostering academic and community engagement.
Generously funded by Alireza’s friends in the community, this series will continue through to the 2025/2026 academic year, offering free, public events that connect diverse audiences with the rich field of Iranian and Persianate Studies. Registration for each event is separate, with all times listed in Pacific Time (Vancouver, Canada).
Persian Literature Reading Club
Persian Literature Reading Club: 2024-2025 Panel Series
Theme: The Literature of Awakening
Initiated by: Dr. Farzan Sojoodi & Dr. Hessam Dehghani
Location: Seminar Room, Department of Asian Studies
This year, the Persian Literature Reading Club at the University of British Columbia launched an exciting panel discussion series exploring the political and social impact of literature. Titled The Literature of Awakening, the series delves into how literary works—spanning poetry, short stories, and novels—challenge dominant ideologies and inspire social awareness. Through a deconstructive lens, guest writers and scholars will analyze texts that expose contradictions in prevailing discourses, opening new horizons of thought.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of literature in shaping society and fostering change. Each panel will focus on a specific genre and theme, offering fresh perspectives and dynamic discussions.