Islamic Architecture
- Course Code:
- 154900107
- Unit value:
- 1
- Year of study:
- Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4
- Taught in:
- Full Year
This course will cover Islamic architecture from the year 622 AD until the Ottoman period, with the first half of the course concentrating on the period 622-1250 and the second part from 1250 - Ottoman period. The course will deal with the architecture and related archaeology of the Umayyads, Abbasids, Spanish Umayyads, Fatimids, Saljuqs, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Il Khanids, Timurids, Saljuqs of Rum, late Islamic architecture in Spain and North Africa, Safavids and Ottomans, as well as certain regional traditions.
The main characteristics of Islamic architecture will be discussed as well as the social and cultural context of monuments and sites. While attention will be given to major monuments, including mosques and secular sites, non-monumental architecture will also be considered.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
- A broad familiarity with the historical background of the architecture, arts and archaeology of the Islamic lands from beginning of the Islam to the present.
- Understanding of the political, religious and social contexts that generated the rich cultural heritage of Islamic Architecture.
- Knowledge of the approaches and methods of architectural and art historians and of archaeologists who have interpreted the history of the formation and development of Islamic architecture.
- Knowledge of the textual and material resources available for future research and the current trends in scholarly research in the study of the architecture of the Islamic world, with particular reference to the Near and Middle East and North Africa / Maghrib..
Method of assessment
3 Essays (20%) - Exam (80%)
