Overview
The Mutaz and Rada Sawwaf M.A. in Islamic Art & Architecture benefits from the rich Umayyad, Mamluk and Ottoman Architecture in Lebanon and the region, which would form the basic and immidiate material for research and study.
Mission
The mission of the M.A. in Islamic Art & Architecture is to graduate students with an expanded knowledge of this field of studies, and expertise in one of its areas of focus. It aims at encouraging studies and research in Islamic art & architecture that would enrich the current literature, as well as find its application in artistic and design practice. It would also prepare students to pursue doctorate studies in the field, for an eventual academic career.
Program Objectives
The program objectives are:
- To offer a comprehensive knowledge of Islamic art and architecture
- To train students to conduct advanced research
- To foster historical analysis and critical interpretation
- To encourage graduate students to pursue independent research that would be beneficial to their practice, or to continue into PhD studies in Art History or related areas
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will:
- acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the various periods and styles of Islamic art and architecture.
- be experienced in a range of methodological skills and research techniques
- be able to understand the ideas, social and geographic contexts in which works of art and architecture were produced.
- have an experience of conducting independent research and dealing with primary materials, culminating in the production of an original Master’s thesis on a specific topic of interest.
Curriculum
A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:
- Required Core Courses (21 credits)
- Elective Courses (9 credits)
Required Core Courses (21 credits)
- IAA711 Graduate Survey of Islamic Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA712 Graduate Survey of Islamic Art (3 cr.)
- IAA731 Graduate Seminar (3 cr.)
- IAA721 Field Research and Studies (3 cr.)
- IAA722 Special Topics (3 cr.)
- IAA799 Master’s Thesis (6 cr.)
Electives (9 credits)
- IAA741 Byzantine & Early Islamic Art & Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA742 The Art & Architecture of the Ayyubids & the Mamluks (3 cr.)
- IAA743 Identity and Modernity in the Middle East (3 cr.)
- IAA744 Ornament in Islamic Art & Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA745 Calligraphy in Islamic Art & Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA746 Geometry in Islamic Art & Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA747 Figural Representation in Islamic Art (3 cr.)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Spring (9 credits)
- IAA711 Graduate Survey of Islamic Architecture (3 cr.)
- IAA712 Graduate Survey of Islamic Art (3 cr.)
- IAA731 Graduate Seminar (3 cr.)
Summer (6 credits)
- IAA721 Field Research & Studies (3 cr.)
- IAA Elective (3 cr.)
Year Two
Fall (9 credits)
- IAA Elective (3 cr.)
- IAA Elective (3 cr.)
- IAA722 Special Topics (3 cr.)
Spring (6 credits)
- IAA799 Master’s Thesis (6 cr.)
