ARTH 472 Forbidden Images? (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
Islam forbids the depiction of the human figure, right? Wrong. There is actually a long and rich tradition of figural imagery, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan and India. Many of those images occur in the context of Persian manuscripts, but the introduction of photography generated new possibilities and controversies. This seminar will explore the history of Muslim image making and related questions about representation, iconoclasm, and power in the Islamic world.
Format: seminar. Requirements: students will have access to original materials and they will be expected to produce a major term project.
Enrollment limit: 12.
Satisfies the non-western requirement.
H. EDWARDS