Islamic Art and Architecture Courses

IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art (650-1650)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the arts of the Muslim world from the rise of Islam until the advent of the early modern period. This course comprises a selective survey of artifacts drawn from a variety of media that represent the pinnacles of artistic accomplishment across the vast expanse of the Islamic world. Paintings, textiles, coins, ceramics, metal work, jewelry, and woodcarving will be investigated in the context of cultural history and examined in terms of their evolving forms, multiple meanings, and the development of a distinctively Islamic aesthetic. Particular emphasis will be placed on the spiritual content of Islamic art, the role of the artist in Islamic society, and the effect of religious pronouncements on the production of art.

IAA375H Introduction to Islamic Art (650-1650)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Introductory course to the arts of the Muslim world from the rise of Islam until the advent of the early modern period. This course will comprise a selective survey of artifacts drawn from a variety of media which represent the pinnacles of artistic accomplishment across the vast expanse of the Islamic world. Paintings, textiles, coins, ceramics, metal work, jewelry, and woodcarving will be investigated in the context of cultural history and examined in terms of their evolving forms, multiple meanings, and the development of a distinctively Islamic aesthetic. Particular emphasis will be placed on the spiritual content of Islamic art, the role of the artist in Islamic society, and the effect of religious pronouncements on the production of art.

IAA376 Introduction to Islamic Architecture (650-1650)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces Islamic architecture through a series of discussions of key monuments and types of architectural work in the Islamic world from the beginning of Islam in the seventh century to the eighteenth century. It provides the student with an overall presentation of various architectural types and styles that shaped the distinct nature of Islamic architecture that expand from Spain in the west to India in the east, and from central Asia in the north to central Africa in the south, including the development of the architectural traditions in Arab, Persian and Turkish speaking countries. In addition to surveying these monuments, in a chronological order, some aspects of contemporary methodology will be addressed in providing ways of analyzing and understanding Islamic work of art in broader social, intellectual and historical contexts. The lectures also touch upon the relevance of Islamic architecture to our contemporary urban and architectural culture, both in its western and eastern aspects.

IAA481 Contemporary Art in the Islamic World

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will explore contemporary artistic developments in the Islamic world, with a focus on recent artistic works in the Middle East. It will also focus on the critical reception of such artworks in their original settings, as well as internationally.

Pre-requisite: IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art

IAA595 International Studio

[1–4, 3 cr.]

This course involves a study abroad, covering specific works of art and architecture in the Islamic world or reflecting Islamic culture, supported by a preparatory series of lectures/presentations on the subject of study. Students would be required to analyze and document specific works and study their relationship to the urban history and culture of the area, to be documented and presented in a portfolio.

Pre-requisite: INAR432 Design Studio VI, or IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art, or IAA376 Introduction to Islamic Architecture

Note: This course has not been thought since Fall 2023 and will not be taught in this academic year 2025–2026.

IAA711 Graduate Survey of Islamic Architecture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This reading intensive lecture course surveys the development of Islamic architecture from the middle of the 7th century to the 18th century. Emphasis will be on contextualizing the architectural development within the development of various politics and cultures in Islamic societies.

IAA712 Graduate Survey of the Islamic Arts

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This lecture reading intensive course explores the arts in Islamic history including all media. It strives at providing various methods of studying the art object, as well as relating the visual analysis to various contexts including textual, social, scientific, and technological parameters. It offers selected in depth reading into the formation of visual culture in Islamic societies.

IAA721 Field Research & Studies

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is a course in the practices of critical reading, thesis-driven writing, and scholarly research methods in Islamic art history. This course will consist of independent study and on-site research in a historical site of relevance to Islamic Art & Architecture. The course provides a forum for students to share their research and writing, leading to the completion of their MA Thesis proposal.

IAA722 Special Topics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will be given on a topic of contemporary relevance, that would explore new areas of research, accommodate students’ areas of focus, location of the research, or pertinent to the expertise of a visiting professor. The selected topic would focus on specific themes, periods, or a particular medium.

IAA731 Graduate Seminar

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The graduate seminar will serve as a forum for initiating students to the process of research on and critical analysis on a specific topic, and develop their independent formulation of a valid academic work.

IAA741 Byzantine and Early Islamic Art and Architecture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course studies the formation and developments of several periods in Western Asia since the founding of Constantinople in the middle of the 4th century to the middle of the 9th century. It explores the influences of Hellenistic culture in the development of the Late Antique, Byzantine and Early Islamic periods. Emphasis will be on culture interruption, continuity, appropriation, and influences.

Pre-requisite: ARCH371 History of Architecture I

IAA742 The Art and Architecture of the Ayyubids and the Mamluks

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course explores the formation of Ayyubid and Mamluk art and architecture in light of the continuing development of new scholarship in the field. It surveys the development of art and architecture between 1171 and 1516, with a special emphasis on field studies in Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. The lectures would also address the various methods to approach the arts and architecture of this period. Essential to the course is reading primary sources; historical texts and documents, and exploring the complexity of relationships between the various social aspects and art and architecture of the period.

Pre-requisite: ARCH371 History of Architecture I, or IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art, or IAA376 Introduction to Islamic Architecture     

IAA743 Identity and Modernity in the Middle East

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will trace architectural developments in the Middle East from the end of the Nineteenth century to the present. It addresses issues of architectural design in the twentieth century in the Middle East. Emphasis will be on the flux between modernist architecture and regional identity, with special consideration of the revival of Islamic architecture in 20th century. The impact of Modernism on urban development and the expansion of major cities such as Beirut, Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, Tehran, and Istanbul will also be discussed.

IAA744 Ornament in Islamic Art and Architecture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the important role of the ornament in Islamic art and architecture. It explores the various theories of ornament from the Nineteenth century to the present, and studies their applications in Islamic art and architecture. The course would require from  students’ personal research, detailed archival and fieldwork to study various types of ornament.

Pre-requisite: ARCH371 History of Architecture I, or IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art, or IAA376 Introduction to Islamic Architecture

IAA745 Calligraphy in Islamic Art and Architecture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is an intensive survey of the development of the Arabic script and its application on various media. Special emphasis will be on the role of calligraphy in Islamic cultures. The course will address the function and meaning of the use of calligraphy, its communicative, decorative, and symbolic functions, covering its use in religious and secular contexts, and in various media.

IAA746 Geometry in Islamic Art and Architecture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses an iconic aspect of Islamic art in the context of the general development of sciences in the Islamic world. It explores the extensive literature about the use of geometry in Islamic art and architecture, and the various theories related to its interpretation. The course will also present a series of case studies of patterns, investigating their function in the visual arts and architecture.

Note: This course has not been thought since Fall 2023 and will not be taught in this academic year 2025–2026.

IAA747 Figural Representation in Islamic Art

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course surveys the development of figural representation in various media in Islamic art. It explores the use of images in manuscripts and on art objects, in addition to the textual context in manuscripts, and the functional aspects of artworks. Emphasis will be on case studies of different modes of representation and narratives.

IAA799 Master’s Thesis

[6–0, 6 cr.]

The Master’s Thesis is the final requirement for graduation, and consists of independent research under the guidance of an advisor. The course will be completed with the submission  of a thesis document, according to specific guidelines. The thesis is not an expanded term paper but rather a carefully structured, multi-chapter exploration of a significant topic. It is approximately 50-75 double-spaced pages in length and exhibits a full scholarly textual apparatus: footnotes, bibliography, illustrations, and other relevant documentation.