ARTH 320: Art of the Islamic World

ARTH 320-001: Art of the Islamic World
(Fall 2022)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW

Music Theater Building 1007

Section Information for Fall 2022

Islam in the seventh century to our own day. The course focuses on art from the Mediterranean basin, north Africa, and the Middle East, from the Iberian peninsula (modern day Spain) to central Asia (modern-day Afghanistan), and from the Mali Empire to Ottoman Turkey. We will look at art made for the early caliphs in Damascus and Baghdad, for example, and at art made under the Qajars in Iran. We will also discuss monuments like the Dome of the Rock, the Taj Mahal, and the captivating, delicate manuscripts of the Safavid and Timurid dynasties. Finally, we’ll examine contemporary art loosely characterized as stemming from “Islamic” countries, and at art by artists who identify with the Muslim religion or culture. Throughout the course, we will investigate issues such as patronage, cross-cultural exchange, the inheritance of classical culture, gender, and globalism. The goal of this course is to build a basic understanding for the art and culture of the Islamic world and learn a chronology of its history. Students will also learn basic terms and vocabulary of art history, and how to discuss and analyze works of art.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduction to Islamic art, from the time of Muhammad to present. Cultural and regional approach, utilizing local museum collections. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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