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.