The course is a one-semester introduction to visual culture of the Islamic world, beginning with contemporary material. The course will examine how visual culture has functioned and continues to operate within Islamic civilization. Visual culture encompasses but is not limited to specific histories of art and architecture; aspects of crafts and popular art will be discussed also. Material in the course will be drawn from the seventh to the twentieth centuries, and will be presented discussed thematically as well as chronologically. Attention will be given to relationships between visual culture, history and literature, using specific case studies, sites or objects which may be related to various branches of Islamic literature, including historical, didactic, philosophical writings, poetry, and religious texts. The course is designed to serve non-specialists. All reading will be available in English. Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on papers, projects and participation in class. No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 20).

Hour: HOLOD