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.