HIST289

An introduction to the history of Islamic visual culture. Key examples will be drawn from architecture, decorative art, textiles, and ceramics. Architectural works will be investigated with respect to their relationship to urbanization, social welfare, and patronage practices. Other fine arts such as miniature painting and calligraphy will be examined in their cultural, political, and aesthetic contexts. In both cases, collateral themes will include production methods and guild practices, pertinent conventions and usages, and cross-cultural influences relating to new contexts and forms.