Islamic Art and Material Culture from Early Islam to the Ottoman Period
This course will explore the great diversity of cultural production across the
Islamic world from the seventh to the eighteenth century. It will introduce
students to Islamic traditions, culture, religious practices, and society
through the investigation of Islamic art and architecture. Objects and
structures will be examined through a variety of interdisciplinary methodologies
and through studies of iconography, function, and patronage. The goal of the
course is to understand Islamic art, architecture and material culture as the
visual expression of the civilization creating it, as well as what makes and
defines them as ‘Islamic’. Students will have the opportunity to give
presentations on certain topics and objects. Visits to collections of Islamic
art are planned. 3 credit. Satisfies non-Western or pre-1800
requirement.