Overview

The Minor in Islamic Art, Architecture and Design (IAAD) within the undergraduate program adds another layer of knowledge to the education of the student, with a focus on a number of electives and additional courses directed towards the investigation of a particular area of interest.

Mission

The Minor in Islamic Art, Architecture and Design exposes students of Architecture and Design to the artistic and architectural heritage of the Islamic world, thus filling a gap in the current educational programs of architects and designers working in the Arab world. In addition, the minor offers a number of electives to non-major students who may wish to broaden their knowledge of this important aspect of the culture of the region.

Objectives

The objective of the Minor in Islamic Arts, Architecture & Design is to introduce design students to the rich traditions of Islamic Art and Architecture, and to prepare them to respond better to the challenges of practice in the Islamic world.

Outcomes

Students will acquire the following skills:

1. An understanding of the role and breadth of the arts in the various Islamic cultures;
2. Basic knowledge of the historic development of Islamic art and architecture in the Islamic world, and the major highlights of these developments; and
3. Development of basic analytical and interpretative skills in examining Islamic art traditions, and in formulating contemporary interpretations of these rich traditions.

Minor Requirements

A total of 18 credits are required to complete the minor, based on:

Mandatory Courses (12 credits)

• ARC375 / Introduction to Islamic Art (3 cr.)
• ARC376 / Introduction to Islamic Architecture (3 cr.)
• ARC405 / Design Workshop – IAAD (1 cr.)
• ARC435 / Design Studio – IAAD (3 cr.)
• ARC595 / International Studio – IAAD (3 cr.)

Elective Courses (4 credits)

Choose any two courses from the following:

• ARC475 / Islamic Architecture in the Age of Empires (2 cr.)
• ARC476 / Art and Architecture of the Mamluks (2 cr.)
• ARC477 / Art and Architecture of the Umayyade (2 cr.)
• ARC478 / The Decorative Arts of Islam (2 cr.)