ART335 Islamic Art of the Middle East

[3–0, 3 cr.]

An introductory course to the arts of the Muslim world from the rise of Islam until the early modern period. This course is comprised of a survey of artifacts which represent the pinnacle of artistic accomplishment across 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.

Prerequisite: ENG102