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Department of History of Art and Architecture

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HAU33007/11 Islamic Art and Architecture of the Medieval Mediterranean

This module considers objects and places from the medieval Islamic world that have accumulated multiple meanings over time. Challenging the narrative of a 'clash of civilisations' between Islam and Christianity, it focuses on the entangled histories of art and architecture in the medieval Islamic world, examining through case studies the mediatory role of art, material culture and architecture. From Al Andalus to Isfahan, Cairo to Istanbul, Kairouan to Palermo, this module draws on the breadth and complexity of artistic expression in the diverse societies that were under Islamic rule in the medieval period.
  • Module Organisers:
    • Dr Anna McSweeney
  • Duration:
    • Semesters 1
  • Contact Hours:
    • 2 lectures per week, 1 seminar per fortnight
  • Weighting:
    • 5 ECTS & 10 ECTS
  • Asessment:
    • HAU33007 Essay and visual analysis
    • HAU33011 Essay and visual analysis & Project
  • Course open to:
    [M=mandatory; O= optional] :
    • Single Honors (O), Joint Honors (O), Art History as a minor (O), visiting (O), AHMC (O).

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  • Understand and explain the history and meaning of key terms used to describe works of art and architecture from the medieval Islamic world.
  • Identify key sites and works of art from the region and understand their significance.
  • Engage critically with methodologies, scholarly debates and texts which shape art historical interpretations of the medieval Islamic world.
  • Defend an argument in response to a specific question in written and oral presentations, using examples of works of art.
  • Communicate ideas formed from the study of both primary and secondary sources.