ART 271 Islamic Art
Islamic Art is an introductory survey of the art and architecture of the Islamic world from the seventh century to the present. It examines the material and architectural culture of the Islamic world by studying single monuments and the arts of ceramic, stucco, glass, metalwork, textile, calligraphy, painting, and the book. It treats works of art within their historical, political, and socio-economic contexts. It explores how an Islamic identity was created from pre-Islamic traditions, with an emphasis on continuity, creation, innovation, and appropriation. It investigates contemporary problems related to the definition and study of “Islamic” art. A number of courses will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and in local art galleries, where students will discuss the curating of Islamic art and issues related to the conservation and preservation of Islamic art.