Introduction to the PhD Program in French Studies

The PhD program in French Studies was launched for the first time in Iran at the University of Tehran in October 2018. This field examines France from cultural, historical, and sociological perspectives, aiming to provide an accurate portrayal of French society and culture—one of the world’s most important countries in international relations. The purpose of establishing this doctoral program is to train experts who, with a deep and precise understanding of France, can recognize the country's role and influence in global affairs and offer insightful analyses of the behaviors and policies of the French government both domestically and internationally.

This program is also designed to cultivate knowledgeable and insightful human resources for national and international cultural, social, and political organizations and institutions—both private and governmental—active in executive, research, and educational fields. Another significant goal of launching this program is to develop and strengthen research on French culture, society, and politics, as well as to provide a theoretical framework to support international activities in related fields.

Indeed, the PhD program emphasizes deepening students’ knowledge and preparing them to propose new theories, especially by reinforcing their critical approach to Western theoretical and intellectual foundations, with France being one of the main sources of these ideas. Therefore, it is expected that students, having become familiar with various cultural, economic, social, and political aspects of France during their master's studies, will now focus on the country’s cultural and social issues during the PhD program. France, as one of the most significant and influential European countries in Iran’s foreign relations, will be understood more accurately and realistically by the students. This, in turn, will assist Iranian policymakers, particularly in the fields of cultural and political interactions with France.

A brief look at the history of international relations clearly reveals France’s important position in global developments, especially in the Middle East, and its ties with Iran’s key allies, namely Syria and Lebanon. Therefore, an in-depth, critical, and scholarly study of French culture and society at the doctoral level will contribute significantly to shaping and redefining Iran’s relations with France.