Encounter of Civilisations: the Rise of Islamic Art (U04229)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-U04229

When they conquered the Near East in the 7th century, the Arabs came from the distant confines of its great civilisations. Within two centuries of that date, they had created a brilliant culture that flourished from Spain to the borders of China. This course explores the astonishing rise of Islamic art and its relation to the worlds of classical Antiquity, Byzantium, Persia ? and beyond. A broad variety of themes, from architecture to the decorative arts and calligraphy, will be considered both in themselves and as windows on early Islamic society, its roots and cosmopolitan dimension.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in either History of Art 2 or Architectural History 2a and 2b.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
22/09/2008	11:10	12:00	Lecture Room 1, Minto House	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Seminars will take place on Fridays at 1400 - 1550 and 1610-1800. Students will attend one of these.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

This course is intended as a general introduction to Islamic art and civilisation. While the themes addressed are wide-ranging, a focus on a seminal period of about three centuries will result in a deeper understanding of each topic in the broader context of its craft and time. Students will thereby be encouraged to sharpen their visual and analytical skills, critically engaging with the literature on each subject.